Ian McKay, 24, of South Portland, trains at Willard Beach for the Peaks-to-Portland race. Trailing him in a canoe is his father Lee McKay. If successful, Ian McKay will be the first swimmer with autism to complete the 2.4-mile event.

Shirley Haynes helps her son Ian McKay during a training session at Willard Beach in South Portland.

Shirley Haynes adjusts the swim cap of her son Ian Haynes as he prepares to train at Willard Beach for the upcoming Peaks-to-Portland race.

Ian McKay, 24, of South Portland, trains at Willard Beach for the Peaks-to-Portland race. If successful, McKay will be the first swimmer with autism to complete the 2.4-mile event.

Ian McKay, 24, of South Portland, trains at Willard Beach for the Peaks-to-Portland race.