The Buzzards Bay Swim was well...a swimming success. In its 20th year, the event saw the most spandex clad people hit the water to date.

A fundraiser for the Buzzards Bay Coalition, the 1.2 mile swim on Saturday started in New Bedford’s harbor and ended at Fort Phoenix State Park in Fairhaven.

This year 262 people swam in the event, and as of Saturday, $95,000 had already been collected. Proceeds will benefit the coalition’s work to protect Buzzards Bay.

Mattapoisett resident and dentist Bill Muldoon took to the water for his first Buzzards Bay Swim this year.

“I’ve always known people who have done the swim, and I’ve always swam in Buzzards Bay – even as a little kid,” said Muldoon. “I thought maybe it’s time to give back a little bit.”

Muldoon got his patients and colleagues to help with fundraising via two canisters labeled “sink” and “swim.”

“My staff urged people to put money in the ‘sink.’ The sink canister won,” he said.

Luckily for Muldoon, they weren’t prophetic. After training, he finished in 15 minutes ahead of his best pool time.

“I’ve always been a pretty strong swimmer, but I’ve never swam that distance before,” he said.

Muldoon was also the top fundraiser for a first-time swimmer, bringing in more than $1,500.

For Allan Pineda, also of Mattapoisett, this year was his fourth to take part in the swim.

Pineda said the event is important, “considering the use [the bay] gets from all of the communities around here.”

A former competitive swimmer, he continues to swim in Mattapoisett Harbor and at the Gleason YMCA in Wareham.

“It’s a great swim and a great cause and a lot of fun,” said Pineda.