For Many, Annual Save The Bay Swim Is Family Affair

The 37th Save the Bay Swim - the so-called Sequester Swim - attracted around 400 swimmers at Potter's Cove in Jamestown Saturday, including several from North Kingstown.

It was indeed different than previous years. Instead of swimming from Point A (Newport) to Point B (Jamestown), the 1.7 mile swim began and ended at Potter's Cove in Jamestown. That's because the Newport site – the Naval War College – was not available ... because of the sequester. 

Enthusiasm Saturday was high regardless, even if numbers were down a bit. Last year's swim attracted 470 participants, compared to this year's 400. 

Times were off too. The triangle-shaped course was harder to follow than a straight line. For some swimmers (ok, me!), the three-point swim morphed into a four-point swim, as they (we) struggled to find that second buoy. But other then the ego-bruising times, swimmers remained in good spirits.

And, as usual, the after-party was rocking, with lots of good food, live music, and pledges to return next year.

Did you participate in the swim as a swimmer, kayaker or volunteer? If you did, let us know below and tell us your experience. Add a photo, too, if you've got one!