(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Ronan Keating admits he is often scared to swim.

The Boyzone singer has a busy year planned with a film, new album and television show all imminent. His hectic schedule will culminate in a swim across the Irish Sea in September for his charity, the Marie Keating Foundation and Cancer Research UK.

Ronan concedes he isnt the strongest swimmer but hopes to fulfil his duty for his charity despite holding legitimate fears.

So its Richard Branson, myself and few other celebrities. Its going to be a team of ten and its a relay across the Irish Sea and we want to break world record, fingers crossed, the singer told the BBC, before adding, Im not a very good swimmer, Im not just saying this, Im not a very good swimmer. A couple of laps in the pool is as good as it gets for me, Im not joking.

With the total swim amounting to 30 hours in the water, Ronan admits he needs to take extra tuition to improve his basic standard.

Im getting serious lessons but I am pretty scared, Im great in a swimming pool but wouldnt be great in the sea, he revealed.

Ronan has put on weight for the exercise, though he failed to confirm if it was done intentionally or by design.

Thats my excuse, yes Im putting on weight, for buoyancy, he laughed. (C) Cover Media