Narragansett Bay East Passage Closed to Boat Traffic on Saturday, August 13 for Save The Bay Swim

PROVIDENCE, RI – On Saturday, August 13, portions of the East Passage of Narragansett Bay between Gould Island and Conanicut (Jamestown), and extending to Pell Newport Bridge, will be temporarily closed to vessel traffic for the Save The Bay Swim. Vessel traffic may pass on the west side of Jamestown. The U.S. Coast Guard may allow vessels to pass through the center span of the Newport Bridge on a case-by-case basis during the event. The U.S.C.G. can be contacted on VHF Channel 16. Boaters with questions should contact Save The Bay Captain Eric Pfirrmann at 401-272-3540, ext. 143 PRIOR to August 13.

This year marks the 40th Save The Bay Swim. Nearly 500 swimmers, plus nearly 200 kayakers, will make the 1.7-nautical-mile journey across the East Passage in support of Save The Bay’s advocacy, restoration and education efforts. As one of the most storied open-water swims in the United States, the Save The Bay Swim celebrates tremendous progress in cleaning up Narragansett Bay since its first official Swim in 1977 and the organization’s founding in 1970. In the early years of the Swim, swimmers often emerged from the water with oil and tar balls on their skin and swimsuits. Last year, in contrast, swimmers reported seeing schools of menhaden swimming beneath them.

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Avatar About the Author: The Rhode Island Small Business Journal is a printed monthly magazine and an online resource for the aspiring and start-up entrepreneur and small business owner.

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