If your New Year’s resolution is to have a great time for a good cause at the 26thanniversary Buzzards Bay Swim on Saturday, June 22, 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,” a press release from the Buzzards Bay Coalition states. 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,” she said. “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 Wareham, New Bedford and Fall River. Registered swimmers receive details and discount codes when they sign up for the Swim at www.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.”
The Buzzards Bay Swim is a Waterkeeper Alliance SPLASH Series event. For more information on the SPLASH Event Series, please visit www.splashseries.org.