Boaters planning to navigate Narragansett Bay this Saturday should take note: portions of the East Passage will be temporarily closed to vessel traffic for Save The Bay’s signature fundraising swim event.
The closure will affect waters between Gould Island and Conanicut Island (Jamestown), extending to the Pell Newport Bridge, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, July 19. During this time, vessel traffic will be redirected to pass on the west side of Jamestown.
The temporary restriction accommodates Save The Bay’s annual swim, which has been the Rhode Island-based nonprofit’s largest and most iconic fundraiser since 1977. The event challenges participants to complete a two-mile open water swim across Narragansett Bay’s East Passage, raising both funds and awareness for the organization’s mission to protect and improve the bay.
“The Swim directly supports Save The Bay’s educational programs, our advocacy efforts, and our habitat restoration efforts,” according to the organization’s website. “As a community event, The Swim engages hundreds of swimmers, kayakers and volunteers in a celebration of the recreational benefits of Narragansett Bay.”
Founded in 1970, Save The Bay works toward its vision of a fully swimmable, fishable Narragansett Bay accessible to all through advocacy, education, and habitat restoration efforts across the bay’s 1,705-square-mile watershed.
Registration for this year’s in-person swim has closed, though the organization continues to offer virtual participation options for those who want to support the cause through alternative athletic activities.
Boaters with questions about the temporary closure should contact Save The Bay at (401) 272-3540 prior to the event. The organization asks for boaters’ cooperation in ensuring the safety of swimmers and volunteers during Saturday’s event.
More information about Save The Bay and the swim event can be found at savebay.org.
