The Buzzards Bay Coalition’s 22nd annual Buzzards Bay Swim on Saturday, June 20.

The 1.2-mile open course goes across outer New Bedford Harbor, starting at The Edge Seafood Lounge in New Bedford’s South End and ending at Fort Phoenix State Reservation in Fairhaven.

Hundreds of swimmers across the South Coast and Cape Cod participate in the swim each year to show their support for clean water.

"I look forward to the swim every year for its physical challenge, but also the excitement of being part of the crowd swimming," said Alan Harris of Marion, who is returning for his seventh swim this year.

His 13-year-old daughter, Ruth, is swimming with him for the second year in a row because "it's the least I can do to help my environment."

Swimmers can sign up to join Alan, Ruth, and more than 300 others at www.savebuzzardsbay.org/swim.

The swim draws participants of every age, ability and fitness level. Some swimmers form teams with their friends, families and fellow swim team members. First-time swimmers are also welcome and encouraged to participate.

"Last year was my first time ever swimming across the Bay, so it was really intimidating at first," said Ruth Harris. "But after I finished the swim I felt really happy and proud of myself."

All funds raised from the Buzzards Bay Swim support the Coalition’s work to protect clean water in communities across the region from Westport to Woods Hole.

Volunteers are also needed to help. To volunteer, contact Lynn Coish at 508-999-6363 ext. 200 or coish@savebuzzardsbay.org.

The Buzzards Bay Swim is a Waterkeeper Alliance SPLASH Series event, presented nationally by Toyota. The SPLASH Series engages local citizens in recreational use of our waterways to celebrate access to clean water with activities that the whole community can enjoy as they raise critical funds to support their local Waterkeeper organization. For more information, visit www.splashseries.org.