For the first time in 32 years, the Buzzards Bay Swim will be held in Onset Bay. The change comes with concerns that possible rain before the event could cause sewer overflows in New Bedford’s Outer Harbor.

On Saturday, June 28, more than 300 swimmers and 46 kayakers will take off at 7 a.m. from Shell Point Beach, swim around Wickets Island and finish the swim at the Buzzards Bay Coalition’s Onset Bay Center.

“By holding the Swim in Onset this year, we ensure that swimmers swim, that the Swim’s legacy continues and that we look forward to sunnier days in the outer New Bedford Harbor for future swims,” said Mark Rasmussen, president of the Buzzards Bay Coalition.

After the swim, participants will enjoy a pancake breakfast, beverages and live music from El Caribe and will also receive an event t-shirt and a custom-made bronze finisher’s medal. 

Spectators are encouraged to join in the fun and cheer on the swimmers.

Participants and spectators should park at Hynes Field (2 Wareham Avenue), Saint Mary’s (26 Grove Street) or Dudley Brown VFW (4 Gibbs Ball Park Road).

Shuttles will run continuously from the parking lots to the start and finish lines.

All funds raised for the Swim support the Buzzards Bay Coalition’s work to protect clean water through research, advocacy, outdoor exploration and land protection. To date athletes have raised more than $195,000 toward the goal of $250,000. Fundraising will remain open for two more weeks after the race.

To support a swimmer, visit savebuzzardsbay.org/swim.

This year, the youngest swimmer participating in the Swim is 12-years-old and the oldest is 85. Nancy Smith and Daniel Vasconcellos, who are the event’s longest running participants, will both be completing their 24th swims.

There are 19 teams participating in total. With 37 members swimming, Team For Emma is this year’s largest adult team.