Massive Swim Event to Close Parts of Narragansett Bay

After several days of high heat and humidity across the area, the weekend will start with some beautiful weather.

Both Friday and Saturday are expected to see highs in the upper 70s around the SouthCoast, which sounds like perfect weather for boaters.

If hitting the open waters this weekend is among your plans, you should know there are some local waters that will be closed to boaters on Saturday July 19, 2025.

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Just weeks after the Buzzard's Bay Swim across outer New Bedford Harbor comes the Save the Bay Swim from Newport to Jamestown.

When and Where Bay Closures Will Happen

The 48th annual swim across Narragansett Bay's East Passage will actually close that entire area to boaters for several hours this weekend.

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Save the Bay recently put out a boating advisory warning people about the shutdown of all water traffic between Gould Island and Conanicut Island and extended down to the Pell Newport Bridge. Expect those closures from 7 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. this Saturday.

All boaters will be redirected around the west side of Jamestown during that time to keep the Bay waters safe for those swimming and kayaking for the Save the Bay event.

Why the Save the Bay Swim Matters

Save the Bay has been hosting their annual fundraising swim since 1977. All funds raised directly support the organization's educational programs, advocacy efforts and habitat restoration work.

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Though registration for this year's two-mile swim is closed, you can still make a donation to support their efforts.

Boaters can also support all the swim participants by avoiding Newport's East Passage this Saturday morning.