Nearly 300 registered swimmers participating in Save The Bay’s 47th annual Swim will embark across Narragansett Bay this Saturday, July 13, in support of the nonprofit organization’s mission to mission to protect and improve Narragansett Bay and its watershed.

Two waves of swimmers will overcome cold water temperatures, currents, and more during this two-mile, open water swim from the shore of the Naval War College in Newport, across the East Passage of Narragansett Bay, to Jamestown’s Potter Cove.

The cross-Bay swim will be followed by a post-event celebration on the Rhode Island Turnpike & Bridge Authority lawn. Elizabeth Beisel and Save The Bay Executive Director Topher Hamblett will present awards to teams and long-time participants.

Schedule of Events

Saturday, July 13, 2024

• 4:00-6:00 a.m. – Swimmers and kayakers check in at the Naval War College in Newport
• 6:30 a.m. – Opening remarks by Elizabeth Beisel and safety briefing
• 7:00 a.m. – The first wave of swimmers departs from the starting line in Newport
• 7:05 a.m. – The second, and final, wave of swimmers departs from Newport
• 7:40 a.m. – Swimmers begin arriving at the finish line in Potter Cove, Jamestown
• 7:30-10:30 a.m. – Post-swim celebration takes place in Jamestown
• 9:00 a.m. – Awards are presented at the Jamestown celebration
• 9:05 a.m. – Final swimmers reach the finish line

The Swim is Save The Bay’s largest annual fundraiser, providing critical support to the organization’s mission to protect and improve Narragansett Bay and its watershed.

The Swim invites participants to swim in an area of the Bay that was once fouled with oil and garbage, demonstrating the progress that has been made toward Save The Bay’s vision of a fully swimmable, fishable, healthy Narragansett Bay, accessible to all.

Nearly 300 swimmers will enter the water on July 13. Dozens more will support the event by taking on personal athletic challenges on their own time as part of the Save The Bay Open, taking place through the end of August. 

Boating Advisory