Calm winds and flat seas provided ideal conditions for 413 swimmers who splashed their way across Narragansett Bay from Newport to Jamestown over the weekend, symbolizing their stewardship for Narragansett Bay and its watershed. When the final pledges are tallied, Save The Bay expects to exceed last year’s record $250,000 raised to support the organization’s mission to ensure the Bay's health and future.

Mike Lane, 38, of Riverside was the first to complete the 1.7-mile swim from Newport to Jamestown, in a time of 36 minutes, 10 seconds. Matt Gilson, 40, of East Providence was second with a time of 36:48 and Charles Lydecker, 45, of Ormond Beach, FL, was third with a time of 37:37.

Caroline Huber, 18, of North Kingstown had the fastest women’s time, 38.08, followed Brittany Olerio, 19, of North Kingstown, at 39.12, barely a stroke ahead of newcomer Emily Hammang, 20, of Barrington, was third among the women at 39.13.

“I am simply amazed and totally inspired by the enthusiasm and dedication of not only our swimmers, but our volunteers and staff as well,” said Save The Bay Interim Executive Director Michael Gerhardt after observing his first Save The Bay Swim.

“I have always appreciated this as a signature Rhode Island event, but until you are party to the weeks of planning and the spectacle of Swim Day does one understand what and outpouring this annual event represents.

“Another triumph to celebrate today, however, is that the Bay is cleaner than it has been at any time in Save The Bay’s 38-year history,” Mr. Gerhardt said.

“Every swimmer who has participated in any of our swims deserves some credit for that. The swim proves that when we all pull together, truly remarkable things can be accomplished.”