Q: How long is the Swim and what is the course?
Q: I want to be a volunteer kayaker/start volunteer/finish volunteer for the Save The Bay Swim. How do I sign up?
Q: Is this a race?
Q: What are the directions to the Swim start and finish locations?
Q: What is the timeline the day of the Swim?
Q: What is the water temperature of Narragansett Bay in mid-August?
Q: Do I need a wetsuit? If so, what kind? Where can I rent one?
Q: In what instances would the Swim be postponed?
Q: I am from out of state. Does Save The Bay recommend any hotel accommodations in the Newport/Jamestown area?
Q: How do I get back to Newport after the Swim?
Q: Does the shuttle transport kayaks?
Q: I am a member of the media and would like to cover the Swim. Who should I speak to?
Q: How long is the Swim and what is the course?
A: The Swim is 1.7 miles long, starting at the Newport Naval Station in Newport and ending at Potter Cove in Jamestown. View Swim Route.
Q: I want to volunteer for the event. How do I sign up?
A: We love our volunteers! Jobs range from unloading kayaks to feeding hungry swimmers. Contact our Volunteer Manager, Stephany Hessler, at shessler@savebay.org or 401-272-3540, x130.
Q: Is this a race?
A: No! The Save The Bay Swim allows our swimmers to demonstrate their concern for the health of Narragansett Bay, and it emphasizes the Bay’s recreational value to Rhode Island. The Swim is unique in that amateur swimmers participate alongside professional athletes, all wishing to demonstrating our right—and our privilege—to enjoy a clean, healthy Bay. Swimmers will have a full 2 hours to finish swimming.
Q: What are the directions to the Swim start and finish locations?
A:
The START: Coaster’s Harbor Island Beach, Naval Station Newport
From Providence:
- Take I-95 South to Route 4 South (to get to Route 4 South bear left on I-95 at the sign reading “Newport/S.County” and take exit #9)
- Continue on Route 4 South to Route 1 South
- Bear right and take the exit to Route 138 East (the exit sign reads “RI-138 East Jamestown/Newport/Bridges”)
- Continue over both the Jamestown and Newport Bridges.
- Stay straight on the ramp after the Newport Bridge (passing the “Scenic Newport” exit).
- Follow the exit until the light, Newport Grand Jai Alai will be in front of you; take a right onto Admiral Kalbfus Road.
- Go west (toward the Bay) around the rotary.
- Take the second right off the rotary, following signs for “NETC Gate 1.”
- Go straight at the light.
- At the gate, present your Swim parking pass to the Officer on duty.
- To get to the parking lots near the Officers Club, take a left after the gate and continue straight, you will pass the Officers Club sign and see the parking lots ahead.
- To get to the GYM 109 parking lot (where participants will also be parking), take a right at the gate and continue straight. You will see the sign for GYM 109 ahead at your first left.
The FINISH: Potter Cove Beach in Jamestown
From Providence:
- Take I-95 South to Route 4 South (to get to Route 4 South bear left on I-95 at the sign reading “Newport/S.County” and take exit #9)
- Continue on Route 4 South to Route 1 South
- Bear right and take the exit to Route 138 East (the exit sign reads “RI-138 East Jamestown/Newport/Bridges”).
- Continue over the Jamestown Bridge.
- Continue to the toll plaza before the Newport Bridge and take the last Jamestown exit before the toll plaza (do not go through the toll plaza).
- Follow the curve, take the first left and go underneath the overpass of the bridge, towards the water.
- Parking is available along the road. From here, you can easily walk to the finish and the Completion Party
Q: What is the timeline the day of the Swim?
A:
6:00-7:15 a.m. - Registration and boat inspection at the Newport Naval Station
7:30 a.m. - Mandatory Safety Briefing
8:15 a.m. - Start time for Individual Swimmers
8:20 a.m. - Start time for Individual Swimmers
8:25 a.m. - Start time for Swimmers with Kayakers
8:30 a.m. - Start time for Swimmers with Kayakers
8:35 a.m. - Start time for Swimmers w / accessories with Kayakers
9:45 a.m. (as swimmers arrive at finish in Jamestown) - Completion Party!
Celebration will take place on the lawn of the Rhode Island Turnpike & Bridge Authority’s property in Jamestown. Refreshments will be served while Swim mementos and swimmer participation awards for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years are given.
Q: What is the water temperature of Narragansett Bay in late July?
A: You can expect a water temperature of approximately 65-70 degrees.
Q: Do I need a wetsuit? If so, what kind? Where can I rent one?
A: Wetsuits are not a requirement for participation in the Swim, but due to the water temperature, there is a risk of hypothermia, so they are strongly recommended. The type of wetsuit you use depends entirely upon your personal preference, so we do not require any particular brands or styles of suits. If you need a wetsuit and would like to learn about different wetsuit styles, we recommend getting in touch with NeoSport Wetsuits at ask@neosportusa.com. They will be able to direct you to a nearby store for fittings. Check our Resources page for wetsuit rental and more.
Q: In what instances would the Swim be postponed?
A: The Swim WILL be held if it is raining. The Swim WILL NOT be held if the opposite shore is not visible due to heavy, low-lying fog, or if there is lightning. If the weather is hazardous, the Swim’s fog date will be Sunday, July 29.
Q: How do I get back to Newport after the Swim?
A: A shuttle service will be provided until approximately 11:30 a.m. on the day of the Swim. Shuttles will pick you up at the RI Turnpike & Bridge Authority’s property and will take you back to the Newport Naval Station.
Q: Does the shuttle transport kayaks?
A: No. Shuttles are unable to transport kayaks. If you are using your own kayak, you may want to arrange to have someone wait with your kayak in Jamestown while you pick your car up in Newport, or, if you have someone to help you drop off and pick up cars, you could take two cars and leave one in Newport, and the other in Jamestown.
Q: I am a member of the media and would like to cover the Swim. Who should I speak to?
A: Please contact Rose Amoros, Director of Marketing & Communications: ramoros@savebay.org or 401-272-3540, x129.
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