Narragansett Bay's East Passage Closed to Boats For Save the Bay Swim Aug. 13

NEWPORT, RI—The East Passage of Narragansett Bay will be closed to boat traffic on Aug. 13 for the annual Save the Bay Swim, a major fundraiser that has paid for the nonprofit's advocacy, restoration and education efforts for 40 years.

The 1.7-nautical-mile journey attracts about 500 swimmers who cross the East Passage to raise awareness about the ongoing efforts to improve the overall health of Narragansett Bay, which is arguably the state's most important natural resource.

Save the Bay said in a news release that the closure will be from Gould Island and Conanicut extending to the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge. Boats can use the West Passage to navigate the bay, though the U.S. Coast Guard might let some vessels pass under the center span of the Newport Bridge "on a case-by-case-basis."

Boaters are discouraged from requesting access for anything other than critical reasons. The Coast Guard can be contacted on VHF Channel 16. Boaters with specific questions about the closure can contact Save The Bay Captain Eric Pfirrmann at 272-3540 ext. 143 before Aug. 13.

This year is the 40th year the swim has been held. And the changes that have occurred in the bay thanks to the organization's efforts are remarkable.

In 1977, the first swimmers participating in the first swim "often emerged from the water with oil and tar balls on their skin and swimsuits," according to Save the Bay. "Last year, in contrast, swimmers reported seeing schools of menhaden swimming beneath them."

The swim is globally-recognized and has inspired similar swims in sensitive areas around the world.

But work remains to be done and the bay is constantly changing. As pressure mounts for the state to develop and expand its water ports in Providence and Quonset, for example, Save the Bay officials have been attending hearings and issuing public statements in defense of the bay being overly disturbed just for economic reasons.

The nonprofit is also facing the prospect of a changing bay as sea levels rise and temperatures continue the upward trend. Beach closures still nag certain hotspots at Oakland Beach in Warwick and Easton's Beach in Newport, with nearly 10 closures across the state so far this year.

"The work we do for Narragansett Bay takes years of dedicated effort. We will continue to fight for stronger enforcement capacity for as long as it takes. Enforcement is crucial to protecting our state’s most valuable natural resource, safeguarding public health and safety, and creating a fair and level playing field for business in Rhode Island,” said Executive Director Jonathan Stone.

This year's Save the Bay swim begins with the first wave of swimmers at 9:15 a.m. at Newport Navy Base.

In addition to the 500 swimmers, 200 kayakers are expected to cross the East Passage.

The fundraiser is the largest of the year for the organization.

Links:

Start/Finish Map 2016

Course Map 2016

Parking Areas 2016