Saturday, July 19, 2025

Check out our event photos from 2024. You can visit our Swim Event Page for results or to donate to a participant.

Every year, swimmers cross the Bay from Newport to Jamestown for Save The Bay’s largest annual fundraiser! This video shows a great overview of this exciting event. There are lots of ways to support the Swim and celebrate the progress we've made toward a clean bay - no swimming skills needed! 

Create an account if it is your first time here. Volunteers must be 18+ except as noted below - see Youth Volunteering for more information.

UPDATE: Volunteer registration for Swim is now closed. Please contact us at volunteer@savebay.org with questions, or if you had trouble registering. See you at the Swim!

LOCATION INFORMATION:

  • The Swim begins at the Naval Base in Newport. Approximate address: 95 Perry Rd, Newport, RI 02841
  • The finish line is at Jamestown’s Potter Cove, across from the Bridge and Turnpike Authority Building (1 East Shore Road, Jamestown)
  • Parking for most Newport volunteers will be at 150 Admiral Kalbfus Road, Newport RI (The Newport Grand Casino)
  • Parking for most Jamestown volunteers will be at 260 Conanicus Ave, Jamestown, RI 
  • Here is a video overview using Google Maps. 

ON-THE-WATER ROLES:

  • Safety Vessels:  7:15 AM - 10:15 AM Seeking experienced captains with boats to join this team! Safety vessels will line the channel for the swimmers, keeping a bird's eye view on the event, and providing additional visibility. Boat requirements: must be 18 - 50-foot (Inflatables can be 14-foot), maneuverable, and able to retrieve a swimmer from the water. 
  • Safety Paddlers: 6:15 AM - 10:15 AM. Trained and experienced kayakers and paddleboarders needed to serve as extra eyes on the water and watch for those who may need assistance. Must provide your own kayak or paddleboard.

NEWPORT VOLUNTEER ROLES: Times 4:45 AM - 8:45 AM, unless otherwise noted. Ages 18+.

  • Newport Parking & Shuttles: 4:45-7 AM. Assist with directing cars in the Newport Grand parking lot, and with checking people in to board the shuttle to the base. Prompt arrival is essential. 
  • Kayak Unloading: Volunteers assist kayakers in removing their boats from their cars and carrying them to the kayak inspection area.
  • Kayak Inspection: Volunteers work with a partner to check kayaks for required length and appropriate equipment, such as life jackets, whistles, paddle & leash, blankets or towels (inspectors will receive instructions, no kayaking knowledge needed). 
  • Swimmer Numbering: Each swimmer is numbered on their swim cap, hand, and arm. Must have large clear writing and not have a problem with transposing numbers.

JAMESTOWN VOLUNTEER ROLES: Times 5:45 AM - 10:45 AM unless otherwise noted. Ages 18+ unless otherwise noted. 

  • Parking: 5:15 -8:15 AM. Volunteers will direct cars parking at the Conanicut Marine Boat Yard, 260 Conanicus Avenue, Jamestown, RI. 
  • Swim Roadies: 5:45-11:45 AM. This team will be stationed in the Party Tent area but assisting anywhere needed on the Jamestown side. Set up pop up tents, tables, and chairs; manage trash and recycling; move ice and water to the finish line; assist with directing people to shuttles, and with breakdown of the party tent area. This will be a longer role than most. 
  • Barrier Monitors: Age 13+. Volunteers age 13-15 must volunteer accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Volunteers are in the water and on the beach, assisting swimmers across the finish line and onto the beach. They are great cheerleaders, applauding the swimmers for their accomplishment. They will also guard the finish line to prevent spectators from unintentionally interfering with the swimmers’ check in. YOU MUST WEAR WATER SHOES for this role. 
  • Water Shepherds: This team is for people who are ready to go deep! Positioned in and around the finish line in the water, these volunteers will funnel swimmers toward the finish line and assist any swimmer who might need a little help. You will be waist to chest deep in water and may wear a wetsuit, bathing suit, or shorts. YOU MUST WEAR WATER SHOES for this role. 
  • Kayak Check-out: 8 AM-12 PM. Age 16+.This team will assist with participant kayaker check-out. This team will be in thigh high water collecting pinnies from kayakers and distributing shirts upon check-out. YOU MUST HAVE WATER SHOES for this role. This role starts and ends later than most.
  • Swimmer Food/Towels/T-Shirts: Age 16+. This team will hand out fruit, drinks, and snacks for swimmers and also give them their towels and t-shirts.
  • First Aid Tent: 7:15 AM - 10:15 AM. Seeking medical professionals such as EMTs, paramedics, nurses and doctors to offer light duty first aid such as bandaids, mylar blankets, and treatment for jellyfish stings. A rescue truck with EMTs will be adjacent to the beach for any additional medical needs. 

Please contact Volunteer Manager July Lewis at jlewis@savebay.org if you have any questions!