Nantucket is known for its pristine ocean water, and the island has a reputation as being one of the premier places in the nation for open water swimming. Since the early 1900s the island has been a destination spot for swim adventurers. Swimmers delight in Nantucket’s warm and calm summer waters.
A group of Nantucket athletes begin open water swimming during the chill of early May and continue right on through to November. This group is known as Nantucket Open Water Swimming, a part of the Nantucket Athletic Association. In addition to four weekly group swims, the Association is an active supporter of Swim Across America Nantucket. These swimmers have raised more than $500,000 for the annual Swim Across America event held each summer on Nantucket.
This year’s Swim Across America Nantucket event will be held on Saturday, July 27 at Jetties Beach. The Swim attracts more than 250 swimmers, and raises funds for cancer and palliative care on Nantucket through the Nantucket Cottage Hospital and Palliative & Supportive Care of Nantucket, as well as for important brain tumor research at Mass General Cancer Center. In its twelfth year, the Swim has raised more than $5 million for local cancer treatment, patient care, and cancer research. Last year, Swim Across America Nantucket hit a fundraising record of $730,000.
The Jetties Beach Swim has a category for every age and skill level. There are short distances of 400 yards, a Kids’ Splash, and longer swims of one-half to one mile during the morning of the event. Later in the afternoon on July 27, there will also be a two-mile relay and a four-mile swim. Fourteen Nantucketers will also be raising funds for Swim Across America Nantucket by running in the Falmouth Road Race in August. If you don’t swim, you can still contribute or volunteer for the great cause using the link: www.swimacrossamerica.org/Nantucket
There is something special about this event morning: the Swim brings people of all abilities together to support those confronted by cancer. The funds raised support six on-island oncology nurses and two palliative care nurses, as well as bringing world-class oncologists to the island on a weekly basis. Full scale cancer services are now available on Nantucket due in large measure from this annual fundraiser. Palliative care is free of charge to island residents and visitors because of these dedicated swimmers.
Lifeguards and Swim Angels are available at the event to help participants. “Swim Across America Nantucket is a vibrant and healthy way to support our nurses and healthcare workers, and show those battling cancer they have an entire island supporting them. This is a memorable and meaningful morning for everyone who participates,” said Co-Event Director, Jill Roethke. Come to Jetties Beach on Saturday, July 27 and dive in to fight cancer.