Making a Splash in Buzzards Bay With New Bedford-to-Fairhaven Swim

For some, taking part in the annual Buzzards Bay Swim is something that's been on their "bucket list." For many others, its a way to express their love for the environment and support the efforts being made by the Buzzards Bay Coalition to protect the bay, now and in the future.

Whatever the reason, some 300 swimmers will take part in the 1.2-mile swim from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 28. The Coalition's Vice President of Public Engagement, Marlissa Briggett, stopped by Townsquare Sunday to preview the swim.

"We're expecting about 300 swimmers this year," Briggett said. Registration for the swim is still open through next Wednesday (June 25).  Folks can register on our website, savebuzzardsbay.org/swim."

There is a $30 fee for registering, and adult swimmers must raise $300. Youth swimmers must raise $150 to take part. All of the money raised goes directly to programs to protect the bay.

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Briggett said the swim begins in New Bedford at the Cisco Brewers beach off East Rodney French Boulevard and ends at Fort Phoenix in Fairhaven.

"We would love to see as many spectators as possible show up at both the start and finish to cheer the swimmers on," she said.

The swimmers will be escorted by a large safety patrol, including dozens of kayakers and others standing by in case of an emergency.

At the finish line, swimmers will be greeted by a beach party with a lively steel drum band, a pancake breakfast and refreshments.

"The spirit of this event is like no other," Briggett said. "It's so joyful having all these swimmers jumping in the water in support of clean water, it's just great!"

Even with an event like this, sometimes a bit of rain must fall. Last year, heavy rain two days before the event caused problems with New Bedford's sewer system, polluting the outer harbor. The swim was cancelled, but organizers have developed a plan to make sure the event takes place this year.

"Last year's cancellation was heartbreaking for swimmers, so this year we've developed a back-up plan," Briggett said. "In the event of heavy rains prior to the swim, we plan to move the event to Onset Bay off Wareham." Briggett said swimmers will be notified 48 hours in advance if there's an issue.

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