Swimmers Ready to Dive In to Help Save Buzzards Bay

Coalition for Buzzards Bay to Hold 15th Annual Swim Buzzards Bay July 19

For Immediate Release

July 15 , 2008

CONTACT:

Kristin Thoms

The Coalition for Buzzards Bay

(508) 999-6363, ext. 207

Illustration: Daniel Vasconcellos

NEW BEDFORD, MA—For the fifteenth consecutive year, swimmers from ages 12 to 73 will prove that Swim Buzzards Bay is for every age, ability, shape, size, and fitness level as they splash their way 1.2 miles from Davy’s Locker beach in New Bedford to Fort Phoenix beach in Fairhaven. On Saturday July 19, more than 100 swimmers will participate in the event demonstrating their care and concern for clean bay waters and a healthy environment.

Swim Buzzards Bay is the largest annual fundraising event held by The Coalition for Buzzards Bay, a non-profit, community-based organization dedicated to the restoration, protection, and sustainable use and enjoyment of the Bay and its watershed. The course draws serious competitors, first-timers, families, teams, and everyone in between.

The Swim will help the efforts of the Coalition as the organization continues to play a key role in the appeal of a 2006 U.S. District Court decision that struck down large portions of the Massachusetts Oil Spill Prevention Act, rendering Buzzards Bay vulnerable to future oil spills. Money raised from the event will benefit not only advocacy efforts such as this, but also the Coalition’s education, conservation and research programs that aim to protect the Bay's health. “Outer New Bedford Harbor, where the Swim takes place, has made a remarkable comeback over the past 20 years,” said Coalition President Mark Rasmussen. “In general, the water quality appears to be relatively high and that’s a result of the amazing restoration efforts that have occurred. It’s proof that if you invest in cleaning up the Bay, the health of its waters can turn around.”

The Swim is separated into two waves, the first for more accomplished swimmers and the second for swimmers who prefer to have a personal kayak escort. Wave 1 swimmers will hit the water at 7:15 a.m., to be followed by Wave 2 swimmers shortly after. An awards ceremony at the Fort Phoenix finish line will cap off the event at 9:00 a.m. Last year’s fastest male and female swimmers, Kendra Medina, 16, of Marion and Joe Hebert, 55, of Amherst, will be defending their titles. Prizes will also be given out for fastest male and female in their age group, fastest team, as well as top fundraiser. The public is welcome to cheer on the swimmers and join the finish line festivities.

Registration is still open. The fee is $15 in addition to a minimum of $150 in sponsor pledges. All swimmers must register by 6:00 pm on July 17th. Rain date is August 2, 2008. For more information or to register, visit www.savebuzzardsbay.org or call The Coalition for Buzzards Bay at 508-999-6363, ext. 207.

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The Coalition for Buzzards Bay is a private, non-profit membership organization dedicated to the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of Buzzards Bay and its watershed. The organization works to improve the health of the Bay ecosystem for all through education, conservation, research and advocacy and is supported by more than 5,000 members