Narrow River Turnaround Swim

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

2024 DETAILS:

When: Saturday, June 22, 2024, 9:00am (rain or shine)

Where: URI Boathouse – Campanella 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: $40 through June 14; $45 on or after June 14 and the day of the swim. Includes 2024 Turnaround Swim T-shirt (size guaranteed for registrations by 5/26). Entry fees are non-refundable.

Swim Sponsor:  $70 (includes swim registration, one year NRPA membership and name listed on the 2024 Turnaround Swim T-shirt), $75 after June 14 and on day of swim. T-shirt size and printing of Sponsor’s name on t-shirt not guaranteed after May 26.

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 by Timing Plus New England.

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!


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

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.

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.

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!

Click here for full race results.



Thanks to all who participated in and volunteered at the 15th Narrow River Turnaround Swim on Saturday, June 25, 2022!

A few photos are below, many more to come!



Many thanks to all who participated in and volunteered at the 14th Annual Narrow River Turnaround Swim on June 22, 2019!!

Click here for FULL RESULTS.

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Thanks to our generous sponsors!


Many thanks to all who swam the 2018 Narrow River Turnaround Swim.

Thanks also to the wonderful volunteers who made it all happen!

FULL 2018 RESULTS can be found by clicking here.

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