Annually in late June, Narrow River Preservation Association hosts a one mile open water swim in one of Rhode Island’s most scenic waterways.

2025 DETAILS:

When: Saturday, June 21, 2025, 9:00am (rain or shine)

Where: URI Boathouse – Flagg Rowing Center, 166 Walmsley Lane, North Kingstown, R.I.

Registration: Online or by mail. Online registration closes at 6pm the day before the swim. In person the morning of the swim will be available if space allows.

Entry Fee:Includes 2025 Turnaround Swim T-shirt. Entry fees are non-refundable.

Swim Sponsor: Includes swim registration, one year NRPA membership and name listed on the 2025 Turnaround Swim T-shirt.

Distance: One Mile (1/2 mile out and 1/2 mile back). Common start for wetsuit and non-wetsuit divisions.

Limit: 150 participants.

Timing: Ankle chip timing.

Check In: 7:45 to 8:40 a.m. No one will be admitted to the Turnaround Swim unless he or she has checked in and received a numbered swim cap by 8:40 a.m.

Maximum Time: Swimmers are given one hour to complete the swim.

Mandatory Safety Briefing: 8:55 a.m.

Safety: Because of the uncertainty of weather conditions such as fog or lightning, the lifeguards and event committee reserve the right to cancel the event to ensure the safety of the participants.

A WORD OF CAUTION! The Narrow River is home to Rhode island’s only substantial population of native oysters, but the edges of these wonderful oysters can be SHARP! We recommend protective footwear for the Turnaround Swim. Participation is at your own risk.

Curious about swimming in Narrow River? Check out this essay by swimmer and Narrow River enthusiast Veronica Berounsky!

2024 Narrow River Turnaround Swim

Read all about the swim in The Independent here.

Prizes were awarded in the following categories:

Fastest non-wetsuit male Alexander Trembley 21:47
Women’s non-wetsuit fastest & “First female into the beach” Abby Bauman 24:48
Men’s “First into the Beach” Derek Jakoboski 25:45
Men’s wetsuit fastest David Cote 26:05
Women’s wetsuit fastest Annie Galliher 28:16
Middle of the pack Kathleen Uscinski
Youngest finisher Shyla Biswas (age 10)
Oldest finisher & traveled the farthest Mary Contini-Norkin
Traveled the 2nd farthest John Clancy, Towson MD

NRPA THANKS ARTIST PATI SYLVIA FOR THE BEAUTIFUL PRIZE MUGS!

This gallery contains photos, courtesy of Frank McQuiggan, of the 2024 Narrow River Turnaround Swim! Frank has made all of his photos free to participants! Click here to see all 174 photos and 7 videos from Frank. Thank you Frank!

Clic k here to read all about the swim in The Independent, featuring photos by Michael Derr.

2023 Narrow River Turnaround Swim

Thanks to all of the hardy swimmers who swam the 16th Narrow River Turnaround Swim on June 24, 2023. It was almost as wet out of the water as in.

We were pleased to present the following awards!

Women’s non-wetsuit first place – Abby Bauman 24:07
Men’s non-wet-suit first place – Eric Nillson 21:12
Women’s wetsuit first place – Kate Porter 25:23
Men’s wetsuit first place – Stuart Cromarty 22:24
Middle of the pack – Jennifer McCaffrey 34:15
Youngest finisher – Ben Crowder Age 11
Oldest finisher – George Geoffrey Age 77
Finisher who traveled the farthest – McKenzie Moore (Hawaii!)

Almost 30% of the participants were from out-of-state. Maybe that’s not surprising for a swimming event taking place in the smallest state!

Participants of the 2023 Narrow River Turnaround Swim begin the one-mile race organized by the Narrow River Preservation Association. Photo by Michael Derr.

Many thanks to Frank McQuiggan, volunteer safety kayaker, who has shared an photos for all to enjoy (see below). Thank you Frank! Click here to see all of Frank’s photos.