Swimmers and donors have raised more than a million dollars for clean water through the Buzzards Bay Swim, now in its 25th year and scheduled for Saturday, June 30.

The annual event, now in its 25th year, is a 1.4 mile swim across outer New Bedford Harbor, hosted by the Buzzards Bay Coalition, with a mission to raise awareness and funds for clean water in Buzzards Bay.

The swim is open to swimmers of all abilities and fitness levels ages 11 and up. The point-to-point open-water course begins at New Bedford’s South End. First-time and beginner swimmers can swim with a personal kayak or paddleboard escort for safety.

A beach party featuring a live steel drum band, pancakes cooked to order, coffee, free massages, local craft beer and awards and prizes is held at the end of the swim.

Although last year’s swim was cancelled due to the weather, swimmers raised $135,000 to support the Buzzards Bay Coalition mission. This year, Coalition officials hope to  earn an additional $50,000 from a matching Fish Family Foundation grant if $150,000 is raised. The Coalition needs 18 more swimmers and $100,000 raised over the next two weeks to earn the match.

Funds raised supports the Coalition’s work to restore and protect the Bay from threats such as nitrogen pollution, oil spills and disappearing forests, streams and wetlands.

For more information, and for registration information, visit savebuzzardsbay.org/swim. Email sponsorship questions to events@savebuzzardsbay.org.

The Buzzards Bay Swim is a Waterkeeper Alliance SPLASH Series event. Visit splashseries.org for additional information about the program.