- The Course
- The Finish
- New Swimmer Orientation Videos
- Swimmer FAQs
Keep scrolling to read more!
The Swim course runs roughly parallel to the Newport Bridge. The finish in Jamestown is around Taylor Point in Potter Cove. Use the two green Coast Guard navigation buoys to guide you out of the start.
- Swimmers with Kayakers should swim toward the green can buoy and meet up with your kayaker there.
- Taylor Point in Jamestown is marked with orange netting, reflective sheets and a large balloon. There will also be a yellow buoy near Taylor Point.
- As swimmers approach the Jamestown side, you will pass to the right (or north) of Taylor Point.
- As kayakers approach the Jamestown side, you will go to the left of the swimmers (South) to the Kayak Check Out Tent.
- After you round the point, you will see the finish area.
- Be aware that the Bay bottom at the finish line is soft with rocks and holes, so please walk carefully
The finish is marked by two boats, one draped in orange netting. Swim between the two boats. Once you cross the finish line, you will be given a numbered position marker from staff. Be sure to hand this marker to the “Pink Ladies” near the check-out area when you reach the shore. All swimmers MUST turn in their position markers when they get to the finish at Potter Cove in Jamestown. This is out only way of knowing that you have arrived safely!
Kayaker Checkout and Loading
Once kayaks pass Taylor Point, you will be able to see a large tent marked KAYAKER CHECKOUT on the beach. Kayakers will steer toward the tent on the left (South) in the opposite direction of the swimmers and pull the boats onto the beach to check out. Kayakers will hand staff their vest and receive their kayaker t-shirt.
Kayak Loading
Kayaks can be loaded onto vehicles on Freebody Drive. There is will no permanent parking on Freebody, it's for loading kayaks only.
Once your kayak is loaded, you will continue on Freebody to exit.
NEW SWIMMER FAQs
Why Is the Swim on a different date each year?
The planning for the Swim starts a year in advance, and we focus on available dates from July 5th through mid-August. Using the best available tide information, we select an early Saturday morning low slack tide to minimize wind and chop. We time the start of the Swim so that low tide is at the midpoint of the average swim time. This leaves us with three swim dates.
With the three available dates in hand, we then need to factor in the following: U.S. Coast Guard availability and approval, conflicting events (swims, races and other events happening in July and August), and the availability of the Newport Naval Base and the R.I. Turnpike and Bridge Authority lawn (without which the Swim would not be possible). We also consider start time (which can typically be before dawn). Taking all these factors into consideration, we choose the date of the three options and hope that our swimmers and kayakers will support this great event with all the factors involved.
Can I get a fundraising extension?
If you are waiting on gifts from your supporters, please contact Leanne Danielsen so your card isn't' charged on the deadline.
When are the fundraising deadlines:
a) Last day to drop (without being charged for $400 fundraising minimum): Tuesday, July 9, 2024.
b) Credit Cards Charged with any remaining fundraising: Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
Can I Raise More than the Minimum?
Of course! We have many people who raise much more than the minimum. We offer incentives for those swimmers who are dedicated to going above and beyond the fundraising minimum. See Swim Prizes for fundraising starting at $650.00.
How Long Do I Have to Finish the Swim?
Swimmers have two hours from the start of their wave.
What Happens If The Swim Is Cancelled?
The swim will only be cancelled if the weather (hurricane, fog, wind) proves to be dangerous for participants and support boats. Participants should watch the website for any updates the night before the swim if there is any inclement weather.
If you have any questions, please email Leanne Danielsen at ldanielsen@savebay.org or call 401-272-3540, ext. 140.
