For 50 years, swimmers have taken to the waters of Narragansett Bay for one of Rhode Island’s most iconic summer traditions. This year, as Save the Bay celebrated the 50th anniversary of The Swim, I had the opportunity to experience the tradition from a unique perspective, not only as a Save The Bay intern, but as someone whose family has been connected to The Swim for years.
On Saturday, August 8, 353 swimmers of various ages gathered at the Newport Naval base to begin their 2-mile journey across Narragansett Bay’s East Passage. I arrived at Potter Cove bright and early to help with the setup. A sea of smiling volunteers greeted me, eager to get started. Undaunted by the early wake-up time, their positive energy and collaborative spirit were stronger than any jolt of coffee could provide. It was clear everyone shared a collective goal: bringing people together to raise awareness about the importance of a clean and healthy Narragansett Bay. From the pink ladies who guide the swimmers to shore to the safety team in kayaks, everyone prepared for the swimmers to cross the finish line.
Working as a summer intern, I heard countless recounts of the first Swim, which began back in 1977. Just the night before, organizers received news from the RI Department of Health that the water near the start of the swim was deemed too polluted. Undeterred, Save The Bay, under the leadership of Trudy Coxe, pivoted and refused to cancel. Instead, swimmers rowed out about 300 feet offshore to begin The Swim. Their creativity and determination exemplify Save The Bay’s dedication to a cleaner, safer bay. For five decades, swimmers, kayakers, volunteers, donors, families and supporters have come together to back Save The Bay’s mission. Funds raised provide essential resources for Save The Bay’s work to protect and improve Narragansett Bay with initiatives including education, advocacy and habitat restoration. The longevity of this event speaks volumes as generations of Rhode Islanders have now participated. Fifty years later, The Swim represents not only how far Narragansett Bay has come, but also the generations of people who have cared enough to protect it.
The annual Swim has always held special meaning for me. My Uncle Tim has participated in the Swim for 17 years, with my Dad kayaking alongside him. I have fond memories of waiting to greet them at the finish line at Potter Cove with my cousins. It’s no surprise that my cousin Ruby (Uncle Tim’s daughter) has joined her father for the past three years. Carrying on the legacy of caring for the Bay inspired her to swim, but the chance to claim bragging rights by beating her dad may have had something to do with it, too. Through my family, I learned the importance of Save The Bay long before I became an intern.
My family is one of many that have made the Swim part of their lives. Some people participate once, while many return year after year. Children watch parents; siblings participate together; families cheer from the shore. Over 50 years, these traditions have collectively created the legacy of the Swim, which makes the 50-year milestone so meaningful. It’s reflected in the people who continue to return—and in the next generation that chooses to follow them.
At the heart of the event is a dedicated group of volunteers whose tireless efforts make it all possible. The sheer commitment and countless hours of hard work and preparation from all 144 volunteers and Save The Bay employees are inspiring. I’m so lucky to have had the opportunity to experience swimming through the lens of my family and through the eyes of Save The Bay.
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Swim and reflecting on the past 50 years of hard work to keep Narragansett Bay swimmable for all–I can’t help but look toward the next 50 years. The swimmers who have yet to cross the Bay, the families who will make The Swim their own tradition, and the generations who will inherit the responsibility of protecting this place we are so lucky to call home.