Heeding new precautions against COVID-19 and great white sharks, the Provincetown Swim for Life and Paddler Flotilla will be back for its 34th year next Saturday, September 11.
There’s a new 1.2 shoreline route to avoid more open waters, a “virtual swim option,” plus an additional, new fresh-water swim option at Wellfleet’s Great Pond — and everyone must provide proof of vaccination to participate this year in the event, which since 1988, has raised over $5 million for AIDS, women’s health and the community.
Here’s the scoop from the Swim’s Facebook page:
The new shoreline swim route will run along Provincetown Harbor’s East End from the beach at Snail Road to the new town-owned East End Waterfront Park, a 1.2 mile distance. The Swim will coincide with high tide, beginning at 2:00 pm. mermaid Tea, catered as usual by Far Land Provisions, will be served under the tent at East End Waterfront Park. Registration will remain at its traditional location on the expansive deck of the Boatslip Resort & Beach Club, time to be announced.
For those who prefer fresh water, a Swim will take place at Wellfleet Great Pond at 10:00 am, (limited to 50 swimmers).
Those unable to Swim on the Cape in person are invited to participate virtually – Swimming in Place. During the 2020 pandemic, swimmers, bikers and paddlers participated and raised pledges in twenty-six states.
“The Swim and the community made waves in response to HIV/AIDS and now we have a renewed mission to strengthen our resilience as we act to create a more diverse and equitable future,” states artist and Compact Director Jay Critchley. “Let’s come together once again in a joyous celebration in the town that we all love and support.”
Beneficiaries of the September 11 Swim include: the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod (ASGCC), Helping Our Women (HOW), Outer Cape Health Services, Provincetown Rescue Squad Association, Lower Cape Ambulance Association, Soup Kitchen in Provincetown (SKIP), Provincetown Schools, The Compact Community Fund, Accessible Provincetown, West End Racing Club and Cape Cod Children’s Place.
For more, go to swim4life.org.
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