Make waves in 2017 by being one of the first to register for the Buzzards Bay Coalition’s 24th annual Buzzards Bay Swim, taking place on Saturday, June 24. Swimmers can sign up at www.savebuzzardsbay.org/swim.

Funds raised through the Buzzards Bay Swim go towards preserving the health of the bay.

Swimmers of all ages, abilities and fitness levels complete a scenic 1.2-mile open water course across outer New Bedford Harbor, passing by Butler Flats Lighthouse and the New Bedford Hurricane Barrier.

At the finish line at Fort Phoenix State Reservation in Fairhaven, swimmers are welcomed with a beach party featuring a live steel drum band, pancakes cooked to order, gourmet coffee, free massages, local beer, and awards and prizes, including a locally made custom bronze finisher medal for each swimmer.

Swimmers will not only work toward their own goals, but will also make a difference to protect clean water in Buzzards Bay. All funds raised from the Swim support the Coalition’s conservation, education and advocacy work in communities across the Buzzards Bay region, from Little Compton to Cuttyhunk.

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 waterways to celebrate access to clean water. Event sponsors include Amica Insurance, Anderson Insulation and YMCA Southcoast. Entertainment sponsors are Fiber Optic Center and Whaling City Sound.