Save The Bay Announces Alternate Route For Swim

From Save the Bay Executive Director Jonathan Stone: 

A few weeks ago I wrote you with the unfortunate news that the start of our 37^th annual Swim was jeopardized by federal “sequestration,” where spending cuts across all branches of the federal government were impacting the ability of military branches to support civilian events. Naval Station Newport was informed by the Department of Defense that it would not be able to host the start of The Swim, Save The Bay’s most important community event and largest fundraiser. This decision came despite strong support from leadership at the Naval Station and regular participation in The Swim by many active and retired Navy personnel. We promised that The Swim would go on, and I am happy to tell you that we have finalized our plans for this summer’s “Sequester” Swim on Saturday, July 20.

This year we are planning a triangle course with the start and finish of the swim at Potter Cove in Jamestown. The course length will be identical to the traditional 1.7 nautical mile route from Naval Station Newport to Jamestown. In selecting this route, we considered a dozen alternatives and conferred with many of our swimmers. The complex logistics of the start, the course, the finish, and the after-party all present serious obstacles to relocating the course in its entirety. Some of these logistical challenges include tidal currents, shoreline conditions, parking, kayak drop-off and pick-up, safety considerations, shuttling swimmers to their vehicles, portable restrooms, volunteer support, electrical power, space for sponsors, vendors and families, and so on.