Nancy’s dedication to swimming extends all year long. A retired school teacher, Nancy swims every morning at the New Bedford YMCA. As soon as the waters of Buzzards Bay hit 55 degrees each spring, she jumps into the Bay for a daily open-water practice at Round Hill Beach.

In the past few years, Nancy has recruited other local swimmers to take the plunge with her as part of an informal group. Kait Carvalho, who was a competitive swimmer in high school, has always loved swimming, while Deidre Hart began swimming within the past few years after an injury prevented her from running. Despite their differing ages, backgrounds, and swimming experience, all three women find a deeper purpose – and friendship – training for and participating together in the Buzzards Bay Swim.

Nancy, Kait, and Deidre invited us to join one of their practice swims at Round Hill Beach last May. Watch their video below to learn why they swim for Buzzards Bay.

Join Nancy, Kait, Deidre, and hundreds of other swimmers at the 25th anniversary Buzzards Bay Swim on Saturday, June 30. The Coalition will earn a $50,000 challenge grant if 60 additional swimmers sign up in the month of June – so sign up now!

The Buzzards Bay Swim is a Waterkeeper Alliance SPLASH Series event, presented nationally by Toyota. The SPLASH Series engages local citizens in recreational use of our waterways to celebrate access to clean water. Event sponsors also include Amica Insurance, Buzzards Bay Brewing, Citizens Commercial Banking, Fiber Optic Center, and YMCA Southcoast.