P-town Swim 4 Life & Flotilla Raises Funds for AIDS And Women's Health

September 10 marks the 29th Annual Provincetown Swim for Life & Paddler Flotilla, raising funds for local HIV/AIDS and women's health organizations.

"When people gather with passion and vision great things are accomplished. For over a quarter century, in one of the largest natural harbors in the world, thousands of swimmers braved its unpredictable waters -- its chilly currents, surging tides, and their deep fears -- raising $4M for AIDS, women's health and the community," writes organizer Jay Critchley.

Celebrating its 29th year, this quintessential Provincetown tradition symbolizes the heroic efforts of a community devastated by the pandemic and its unequivocal response to it. The Swim for Life & Paddler Flotilla (a 1.4 mile swim) has become a catalyst for a nurturing community, offering connectedness, healthy exercise and continuity for those who return year after year.

Begun in 1988, the Swim for Life immediately took on a life of its own. The enthusiasm of our community and the urgent need to confront AIDS forged a bond that has continued to strengthen over 30 years. By 1992, 128 swimmers raised $35,000 for the Provincetown AIDS Support Group and People with AIDS Coalition. An official non-profit entity was needed and in 1993 the Provincetown Community Compact was born to anchor this growing event and provide a much-needed resource for nascent community projects.

The swim starts at 11 a.m. at low tide, at the Boatslip Beach Club, 161 Commercial Street. There will be a Celebration of Life concert the night before, on Sept. 9, at the UU Meeting House.

And this year #team4PULSE has recruited 49 swimmers and kayakers to honor the victims of the Orlando massacre.

If you have swum 25 times or ten times, you are eligible for The Compact Long Point Award or the Circle of Honor, respectively. We have $10,000 in prizes and gift certificates for those raising the most pledges and joining the $1,000 Club.

Sponsors include Fanizzi's Restaurant, Lobster Pot, Seamen's Bank, Provincetown Banner, Far Land Provisions, Boatslip Beach Club, Crown & Anchor, Mussel Beach Health Club, Berta Walker Gallery and the Harbor Hotel.

The Swim is set for Saturday, September 10, 2016. Registration runs from 9-10 a.m. on the deck of the Boatslip Resort, 161 Commercial on Provincetown Harbor. You may register the day of the event. Please bring your pledges with you (please do not send ahead to us. We, of course, accept pledges after the Swim, send to: Swim for Life, P.O. Box 819, Provincetown, MA 02657). The Swim begins at 10:30 a.m. from Long Point.