Courtesy of Paul Curado, Buzzards Bay Coalition, Massachusetts.

New Bedford Harbor is nicknamed The Whaling City because during the 19th century, the city was one of the most important whaling ports in the world, along with Nantucket, Massachusetts and New London, Connecticut.

Located along the south coast region of Massachusetts, the annual Buzzards Bay Swim is a charity swim that has been raising money and awareness for the Buzzards Bay Coalition for 24 years.

The start of the 1.2-mile swim is next to The Edge Seafood & Lounge in New Bedford; the finish is at DCR’s Fort Phoenix State Beach in Fairhaven.

Located 50 miles south of Boston, the Buzzards Bay Swim features a uniquely scenic point-to-point course across outer New Bedford Harbor. “Assisted by the U.S. Coast Guard and a local safety patrol, swimmers navigate 1.2 miles through the harbor and channel, passing by the iconic Butler Flats Lighthouse and the New Bedford Hurricane Barrier, one of the largest stone structures on the East Coast,” explains race director Deb Hood. “At the finish, swimmers are welcomed with a beach party featuring a live steel drum band, pancakes cooked to order, gourmet coffee, free massages, and local beer.”

The Buzzards Bay Swim is a fundraiser for the Buzzards Bay Coalition, a nonprofit organization that works to protect clean water in its region.

The cost is US$25 registration fee + a US$150 (pay or raise) fundraising minimum that covers parking, a free shuttle to the start line, a bag check, a chip timing, snacks, breakfast, beverages, an event t-shirt, a water bottle, a swag bag, live music, a free massage, awards, prizes, and a hefty bronze finisher’s medal custom made by local artisans.

For more information, visit here or contact via email at events@savebuzzardsbay.org.

Copyright © 2016 by World Open Water Swimming Association