By: Laurie Garcia, Graphic Design and Communications Intern
On Saturday, July 19th, a group of 281 passionate, lively and ambitious swimmers took to the Bay, swimming the 2-mile open water race from Newport to Jamestown. From the moment the sun rose warm and bright, we knew it was going to be the perfect day. With not a cloud in the sky, the Newport crew got to work preparing the swimmers for the start, while the Jamestown crew set the stage for the finish line and after-party. I was on the Jamestown side and saw all the behind-the-scenes work that made the post-swim celebration so special.
As we eagerly waited for the first swimmers to come into view around Taylor Point, anticipation grew. We began placing light-hearted bets on who would “win” the unofficial race. Would it be Elizabeth Beisel, the 3 time Olympian and Rhode Island swimming legend? Would it be Albert Garcia–my dad, a local legend and longtime Save The Bay swimmer? Or would one of the younger, hungrier swimmers take the lead? While it’s not technically a race, the friendly competition adds to the excitement year after year.
It was so beautiful to see how people of all ages and different swimming backgrounds came together to complete the Swim for one cause–the longevity, health, and vitality of our very own Narragansett Bay. For some people it was their first year, and for others, their 30th. Yet, every swimmer emerged from the water with the same pride and feeling of accomplishment. At the finish line and later at the after-party, I had the chance to speak with a variety of participants about their experience and connection to the Bay.
Swim ambassador Elizabeth Beisel shared her passion and enthusiasm. Her swimming career began right on the Bay at Bonnet Shores Beach. Though she has swum all over the world, she said this swim is one of her favorites because it “means the most.”
She reflected, “An open water swim is only as good as the water you’re in and the scenery around you. Every time I breathe to the left, I’m looking at the Newport Bridge. When do you ever get to do that? You take a moment in the middle and think, wow, that’s awesome.”
Beyond the scenic beauty, she emphasized the importance of the cause: “Save The Bay is why we get to swim the Bay.” Gesturing toward the bustling crowd, she exclaims, “Look at this! I don’t know who half of these people are; they don’t swim, but they swim for Save The Bay once a year, and that’s what counts. That’s how you know we’re doing something special. People are breaking through their nerves about the open ocean to support this cause.”
Jim, a longtime swimmer and current volunteer who swam virtually this year, highlighted the strength of the community. “This is a community that cares,” he said. “People are receptive to it because they care–largely because of the platform Save The Bay has built over the years.”
Fred Bartlett, a longtime Save The Bay swimmer of 28 years, spoke about the Bay’s transformation. “It’s changed dramatically for the better- and it’s all because of Save The Bay,” he said. “There used to be oil in the water. Swimmers came out with smudges on their faces. You’d run into wood pieces and debris. Now, you can see the bottom clearly- you can see starfish and fish swimming by.”
He notes that although every year is a little different, in terms of conditions, what keeps him coming back year after year is the camaraderie and the number of people that we are bringing into the world of open water swimming. He emphasized that, “we save the bay for the next generations, to pick up where we left off and pass it forward.”
The Swim is becoming a multigenerational event that brings families together. This was 17-year-old Save The Bay Scholarship swimmer Kate Porter’s 2nd year completing the Swim. She said she was inspired to get involved because her dad, Jim Porter, has been doing it for over 10 years. “One of my favorite parts of the Swim was being outside in nature and out in the water,” said Kate. She reflected that her mom, being a big sailor, and her dad, being a swimmer, instilled in her an appreciation for the Bay and its wildlife.
For scholarship swimmer Nick Zerva, this year marked his first swim. He shared that it meant “training for something that means a lot more than a best time.” Having grown up in Rhode Island, he said, “The Bay is like my backyard–why wouldn’t I want to give back?” He and his sister, Kayla Zerva, hope to make it a yearly tradition. “I want to get a 20-year plaque,” he said. “I already shook on it with Kayla–we’ll be here next year, and for many years to come.”
Another sibling duo, Marguerite and Dimitri Youths, swam together for the first time. It was Marguerite’s second year, and she convinced her out-of-state brother to join. Dimitri proudly said, “This was my first time I’ve ever seen this bay- and I conquered it.”
As an intern, watching my dad, Albert Garcia, complete the Swim and win another year was a deeply meaningful moment. Swimming and spending time on the Bay have always brought us close. After a long year for our family, seeing him emerge from the water, looking so joyful and accomplished, was a true “proud-daughter” moment. Part of what inspired me to intern at Save The Bay was how much this organization means to my dad and our whole family. This event was a highlight of our year, and I’ll always cherish those memories.
