The 33rd Buzzards Bay Swim is in the Books!

To support the Coalition’s efforts to protect clean water and preserve the watershed, 199 swimmers swam the 1.2 miles from New Bedford to Fairhaven on June 20.

“When everyone gathered during the National Anthem, it felt very touching,” said one swimmer. “In the midst of what is happening around us, we got to stand together as a group of people working together locally…to help the big picture of our world.” 

With a cool breeze at their backs, swimmers exited the water at Fort Phoenix to cheering crowds and a medal for their accomplishments. “Blessed to live in such a beautiful environment,” said one spectator cheering on her swimming husband.

Swimmers were treated to a hearty pancakes-and-beer breakfast at the finish line party that welcomed all the participants, with the steel drum band, El Caribe, providing the music. 

The wind did cause some changes in the start waves, and the last two waves with kayak escorts were cancelled. “Swimming is hard, but it is a nice reminder that we can all do hard things,” said one participant. “Things like protecting clean water, or fighting against climate change, or making outdoor spaces more accessible for everyone.”

The Elephant Rock Sea Bears, For Emma, and The Immigrants led the group fundraising and were recognized in an awards ceremony afterward. Steve Johnson, Lawrence Fish, Maggie Jackson, and Steve Kanovsky were the top single fundraisers. Many thanks to the generosity of our sponsors: The Valle Group, Servedwell Hospitality, First Citizen’s Federal Credit Union, Southcoast Health, HOBO Data Loggers, Buzzards Bay Brewing, Jim’s Organic Coffee, Cisco Brewers Kitchen + Bar, Fiber Optic Center, Lanagan & Co., Milbury and Company, Tremblay’s Bus Co., Bowditch Attorneys, Scuttlebutt, Diversified Marketing Group, Whipple Tree, TowBoat US, Open Soul Swimming, the Crook Family and Brewer Banner. 

Fastest Overall Female swimmer was Meridith Gilson (55) of Falmouth with a time of 27:19. The Fastest Overall Male swimmer was Will van Fossen (31) of Boston with a time of 23:59. The Salty Sea Dogs, consisting of John Bauer, Alex Gallant, and Nicholas Graca won the Wheeler Watershed Challenge Cup (Fastest Adult Team) with an average time of 28:59. For Emma’s fastest swimmers: Michael Holmes (28:30), Adele Hellstrom (30:20), David McGinnis (32:37) earned the Quicks Award (Fastest Youth Team).

For more fundraising leaders, age category winners, and participation award winners, go here.

More than $200,000 has been raised from this signature event which will support the Coalition’s work towards a cleaner and healthier Buzzards Bay. 

SUPPORT THE SWIM HERE