I have been swimming for as long as I can remember. I started open-water swimming with my parents and swim team while living in Long Island. When we moved to Rhode Island, my dad did the Save The Bay Swim for 3 years. He always said that once I turned 16 I could do it with him. I was excited about that idea. I swam with Fred Bartlett’s open-water swim group at Narragansett Beach in the summers. 

When I finally turned 16, my dad registered me for 2022 Save The Bay. I needed Fred to approve me for the Swim because Save The Bay had the policy of only allowing swimmers 18 and over. I wasn’t nervous until the morning of the swim. I had done other open water races but nothing as long as Save The Bay. My dad stood on the shore and showed me where to spot. 

At the start of the swim, I started alongside of Fred because I knew I was a faster swimmer than my dad. I felt comfortable during the first half of the swim and it went quickly. However, the second half was another story, I kept looking at the bridge thinking that I was staring at the same spot forever. My mind wandered, thinking about what I was going to have for lunch or if there were any saves that day at East Matunuck beach where I lifeguard. 

As I got closer to the other side, I realized I was way off course and I was desperately fighting a current to get around the jetty, which made me nervous. They had warned us in the beginning about the current, but I underestimated the intensity. I felt like I was swimming in one place forever, my arms tiring with every turnover. Eventually, I got through the hardest part of the swim to arrive at the finish line. I was eager to stand at the finish because I wanted to see how far behind me my dad was positioned. Disappointingly, my dad was waiting for me. Fred saw the dismay on my face and told my dad he had bragging rights. I swore that my dad gave me the wrong spot to focus on so he could beat me. I made it my sole goal to beat my dad in the 2023 SaveThe Bay Swim.

As the date approached my dad and I challenged each other with open water training sessions. Unfortunately, the day before the 2023 Swim, he got sick and had to pull out. But I swam it anyway with my mom. Once in the water, I was comfortable for the first and second half of the Swim until I hit the current at the jetty. I thought I was prepared from the 2022 experience but a slight panic crept in. I wanted to beat my time from last year, so I cleared my mind and managed to push through the unrelenting current. I was pleased to find myself in the first pack of swimmers to cross the finish line.

Save The Bay’s annual Swim isn’t just a fundraiser; it's a celebration of Narragansett Bay's beauty and a testament to the community's commitment to its preservation. This year, among the athletes and advocates taking the plunge for the first time, are Dean and Steven Balcirak, a father-son team from North Kingstown, whose love for the Bay runs deep.

Dean and Steven’s connection to Narragansett Bay traces back many years. They enjoy fishing, kayaking, sailing, and of course, swimming. Specifically, 17-year-old Steven, recounts his experience with Save The Bay from many years ago, participating in an education program as a kid: “When I was younger I did this Save The Bay camp with a bunch of kids where we could go out on the boats and learn about marine life. It was super fun and I quite enjoy the scenery and waterfronts Rhode Island has here." he reflects.

Their affinity for the Bay extends beyond admiration; it's a training ground. Dean, an experienced triathlete, has long utilized the Bay'sopen waters to hone his skills. Steven, too, has spent countless hours swimming, initially at the South County YMCA before transitioning to high school swim teams. Despite his hiatus from club swimming, Steven has found joy in competitive distance swims, preparing him well for the challenge ahead. As Steven’s high school swimming season has recently come to an end, the duo plan to get into the water soon to train once the weather gets a bit warmer.

Joining them on this aquatic adventure are their family members and friends, forming a cheering squad that includes Steven's mom, older brother, younger brother, and a few close family friends. Dean's wife, Susie and eldest son will accompany them in a kayak, providing support and encouragement along the way.

As they gear up for the Swim, Dean and Steven set lighthearted goals: to beat each other in a friendly competition and see who can finish first. But for Dean, there's a deeper significance to this endeavor. Turning 50 in August, completing the Swim is a personal milestone, a birthday present to himself, and a testament to his commitment to the Bay's conservation.

"We are really looking forward to participating," Dean affirms. "Obviously, the most important part is fundraising for the Bay and helping maintain that aquaphor that we love to enjoy every chance we can get." “Save The Bay is a very special place and environment to spend time in.” adds Steven. “It is really important to preserve ecosystems like this that are so unique.”