Swim for Life and Paddler Flotilla: Sep 8

25th Provincetown Harbor Swim for Life & Paddler Flotilla : Sep 8

Provincetown Harbor Swim for Life

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.

Come immerse yourself in the 1.4 mile swim, glide across the harbor’s surfaces as a swimmer or kayaker, or welcome swimmers on shore as a volunteer or cheerleader.

Or witness.

Swim for Life swimmers and paddlers  

Calendar of Events – all events free and open to the public

Friday thru Monday, August 24-27: Swim25: 2,500 Prayer Ribbons

Provincetown Public Library, front lawn, 356 Commercial Street

Saturday, noon to 6:00pm, table at library with information, Prayer Ribbons, t-shirts and Swim caps

Sunday, August 26, 2:00-5:30pm, public reading of messages and names of Prayer Ribbons (volunteer reader sign up and info table from noon)

Ribbons outside the Provincetown Public Library

Sunday, August 26, 5:30-8:30pm, Swim25 Provincetown Party, Harbor Lounge, 359 Commercial Street; open to the public, recognizing Circle of Honor, Volunteer Awardees and volunteers, kayakers and businesses sponsors

Friday, September 7, 2012 Swimmer Orientation (optional) – 1:00pm

Kayaker Orientation (optional) – 2:00pm

Boatslip Resort Beach, 161 Commercial Street

Celebration of Life Concert

UU Meeting House – 8:00pm, 236 Commercial Street (free)

Saturday, September 8 Swim for Life & Paddler Flotilla, BoatslipResort, 161 Commercial Street

8:30-10:00am Kayak/Paddler Flotilla/Safety Boat Registration, Boatslip Beach

9:00-10:00am Swimmer Registration, Boatslip Deck

Transport of swimmers to Long Point

10:30am Swim for Life Begins at Long Point

11am-2:00pm Public Greets Swimmers & Kayakers, Boatslip

Entertainment

12:00-2:00pm Mermaid Brunch (public welcome), Boatslip deck

1:00pm (or after last swimmer arrives)

Awards Ceremony

December 1 - World Aids Day

The Swim for Life & Paddler Flotilla is being honored at the State House in Boston on December 1st, World AIDS Day, in Nurses Hall.

In honor of the 25th anniversary of the Swim next year, Jay Critchley will speak and the Prayer Ribbons will be displayed from 11:00am to 3:00pm. These five-foot long colored ribbons have been collected over 15 years and are inscribed with names and messages of people we wish to honor in our lives, both living and deceased.

The event is being organized with Rep. Sarah Peake, the Mass Department of Public Health and other legislators. Donna Roll's students from Longy School of Music will sing musical selections. HIV/AIDS organizations from across the state have been invited, and the event is open to the public.

The Prayer Ribbons bear witness to the annual Swim for Life, a quintessential Provincetown event.  They are on view in the Meeting House, on Commercial Street and on the Boatslip deck during the event.   

The 25th Annual Swim for Life & Paddler Flotilla will be held on September 9, 2012.