With heartfelt emotion, after much deliberation, The Compact has decided to postpone the swimming component of the Swim for Life event until next year, 2020. Safety has always been our priority and the expected high winds and seas would be dangerous for both swimmers and kayakers in the water. Please note the change in schedule below.
Provincetown Harbor is designated a “safe harbor” and is one of the largest natural harbors in the world. The Swim for Life is both a fundraising event and a celebration of this unique geological gift that gave birth to Provincetown and its symbiotic relationship to the sea. The activation of this water with human bodies navigating its magical essence, along with the neon-colored swim caps and kayaks, has become an important community tradition as we become more aware of the fragility of the natural environment and our place within it.
In 2019, after thirty-one years swimming across Provincetown Harbor from Long Point to the Boatslip, the annual Swim for Life & Paddler Flotilla has changed course. The appearance of white sharks due to the increased seal population has created concern for swimmer safety in the deep waters off Long Point. For this reason, the course of this important Provincetown tradition and fundraiser will move closer to the town’s shoreline. Walkers are invited to participate as well.
The high tide dictates when the shoreline swim and walk to begin.
Come immerse yourself, glide across the harbor’s surfaces as a swimmer or kayaker, or welcome swimmers on shore as a volunteer or cheerleader.
Or witness.
2019 Swim for Life Schedule
updated September 5, 7:oo pm
Friday, September 6
[cancelled] Swimmer orientation (optional) 1:00pm
[cancelled] Kayak orientation (optional) 2:00pm
Early Registration for swimmers, kayakers, walkers, and volunteers, Seaman’s Bank 5:00-8:00pm
Celebration of Life Concert, 8:00pm
UU Meeting House, 236 Commercial Street
Saturday, September 7
32nd Provincetown Swim for Life & Paddler Flotilla
High tide 6:54 am, low tide 12:52 pm
Boatslip Resort, 161 Commercial Street
Swimmer and Walker registration, 7:00-8:00 am, Boatslip deck
Boater, volunteer, and kayak registration, 7:00-8:00 am, Boatslip deck
Swim for Life Walk start 8:30 in front of the Boatslip
Mermaid Brunch, open to the public, 9:00 am; catered by Far Land Provisions; music with Zoe Lewis
Awards Ceremony 10:00 am
Great Pond Wellfleet Swim
Friday, September 6
Registration: Seaman’s Bank, Route 6 Wellfleet, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday, September 7
Swim starts at Great Pond, 7:30am
