NEW BEDFORD, Mass. – Make your New Year’s resolution to have a great time for a good cause at the 26th anniversary Buzzards Bay Swim on Saturday, June 22, 2019. Registration is now open at www.savebuzzardsbay.org/swim
The Buzzards Bay Swim is an exciting outdoor experience that welcomes swimmers of all abilities and fitness levels ages 11 and up. Over 300 swimmers complete a scenic 1.2-mile point-to-point open water course from New Bedford’s South End, past the iconic Butler Flats Lighthouse and New Bedford Hurricane Barrier with a crowd of hundreds watching and cheering.
At the finish line at Fort Phoenix State Reservation in Fairhaven, swimmers and their guests are welcomed with a beach party featuring a live steel drum band, pancakes cooked to order, gourmet coffee, free massages, local craft beer and awards and prizes. First-time and beginner swimmers can swim with a personal kayak or paddleboard escort for added support.
Dartmouth resident Martha Yules and her husband tried the Swim for the first time last year. “We loved it – what a fun and memorable experience! This event should be added to the proverbial bucket list for everyone living on the Southcoast.”
For those needing support to get from “couch-to-Swim” in the New Year, YMCA Southcoast is offering a robust schedule of training programs that includes special short term membership rates. Y membership includes pool access at the Wareham, New Bedford, and Fall River. Registered swimmers receive details and discount codes when they sign up for the Swim atwww.savebuzzardsbay.org/swim.
Last year, swimmers raised a total of $158,000 to support the Coalition’s ongoing work to prevent pollution and protect clean water in Buzzards Bay.
Registration for the Buzzards Bay Swim is $25, and swimmers commit to raising a minimum of $150 each. Most find they can raise much more – including Bill Muldoon of Mattapoisett, who raised over $4,300 last year and took home the prize for Top Fundraiser. “My family has enjoyed spending many days sailing, swimming and boating on Buzzards Bay,” he said. “I think it’s everyone's responsibility to keep the Bay healthy and to conserve this great resource.”
Have a great time for a good cause at the 26th anniversary Buzzards Bay Swim on Saturday, June 22. Sign up now atwww.savebuzzardsbay.org/swim
The Buzzards Bay Swim is a Waterkeeper Alliance SPLASH Series event, presented nationally by Toyota. For more information on the SPLASH Event Series, please visit www.splashseries.org. The Swim is also sponsored by Amica Insurance, Fiber Optic Center and YMCA Southcoast. If your business would like to sponsor the Swim, contact events@savebuzzardsbay.org.