NEWS

Save the Bay plans combination virtual, in-person event for 45th annual Swim

The Cranston Herald ·

Save The Bay has opened registration for its 45th annual Swim fundraiser. The nonprofit organization’s flagship fundraiser typically welcomes hundreds of swimmers to the shores of Newport and Jamestown for a two-mile, cross-bay swim in support of Save The Bay’s mission to protect and improve Narragansett Bay. Following a virtual-only event last year, swimmers and athletes have the opportunity to register for the 2021 Virtual Swim and Open—with challenges in bicycling, running, kayaking, and more—and to enter a lottery for a spot at a scaled-down, in-person Swim on July 17. 

“Participants and staff alike missed the in-person Swim last year,” said Save The Bay Executive Director, Jonathan Stone. ”But our virtual options presented us with an amazing opportunity to connect athletes in different disciplines with our work to protect Narragansett Bay. We’re looking forward to offering both options this year, as we celebrate the benefits of our beautiful Bay, and collectively take a small step back toward normalcy.”

Those who win a spot at the in-person event will tackle the Swim’s traditional two-mile course from the Newport Naval Base to Jamestown, R.I. on July 17. For participants registering for the Virtual Swim and Open, challenges include a 2.0-mile swim, a 0.5-mile swim, a 5K run or walk, a 25-mile ride, a 5K row, a 5.0-mile kayak and a 2.0-mile standup paddleboard.

“We have an activity for anyone who wants to take on a challenge to support Narragansett Bay,” said Save The Bay Events Manager, Leanne Danielsen. “And we’re looking forward to engaging all of our participants, whether it’s in-person on July 17, or over the course of the summer, virtually.”

Save the Bay, swim, fundraiser