2019 UPDATE: Swimmer Safety a priority for Swim for Life

PROVINCETOWN. July 25, 2019. The safety of swimmers is the number one priority of the Swim for Life. It requires a coordinated effort from Swim medical personnel and the Provincetown Rescue Squad on shore, and kayakers, safety boats, the Harbormaster, US Coast Guard, the Center for Coastal Studies and lifeguards on the water to ensure the safety of each and every swimmer. The event is required to submit a Incident Plan permit application with the US Coast Guard that includes safety precautions and back up boats and kayaks to ensure swimmer support.With the increased public awareness of the growing seal population and the white sharks that prey upon them, the Provincetown Community Compact, sponsor of the Swim for Life, has teamed up with the Chatham-based Atlantic White Shark Conservancy and Rex McKinsey, Provincetown Harbormaster, to increase public awareness of these creatures and assist in researching their behavior, movement and the range of their habitat. A working group has been formed that includes the six towns on the Lower Cape and the National Park.We recently donated $2,000 to the Woods Hole Group that is studying mitigation interventions regarding seals, sharks and humans, due this fall. This follows The Compact’s mission of enhancing the well being of   the community, connecting the economy, environment and the culture.In 2016 two receiver buoys, along with a buoy at Herring Cove, were installed to assist in this research - one on the south side of Long Point, and one off the shore of Truro. While these receivers will only record the presence of a tagged white shark in the vicinity, as well as the identity of the shark, the recorded sitings are significant for long-term research purposes. These transmitters do not provide real time information but rather data for scientific analysis. Additional buoys have been installed this summer.The Compact recognizes there is a risk to swimmers, but the Swim follows the best scientific findings to date. Here is Provincetown Harbormaster’s Facebook posting: “Don't swim, paddle or surf near or play with seals (and they bite); don't swim or surf at dawn or dusk; don't look like a seal (imagine what a surfer and board looks like from under water); stay in groups, and be vigilant”. A recent video  by the Conservancy, National Park and the Mass Division of Marine Fisheries is available for viewing. There is a working group of Lower Cape communities and the Cape Cod National Seashore to coordinate education and response.The Center for Coastal Studies, the Provincetown Harbormaster and the US Coast Guard will sweep the harbor for shark sitings on the morning of the Swim for Life, September 7.The 2019 lead sponsor of the Swim for Life is Seamen’s Bank; media sponsor is the Provincetown Banner. Also, Fanizzi’s Restaurant, the Lobster Pot Restaurant, Far Land Provisions, Berta Walker Gallery, Cape Air, Bay State Cruise, Art's Dune Tours, WOMR 92.1 FM and. The event also receives support from the Provincetown Visitor Services Board.The1.4-mile swim across Provincetown Harbor has raised $6.5M for AIDS, women’s health and the community. Organic, 100% cotton t-shirts, design by Vicky Tomayko, are available for sale at Seamen’s Bank, downtown. The public is invited to greet the swimmers on the Boatslip deck on September 7 beginning at 11:00 am, followed by the Mermaid Brunch and awards ceremony. Also join us for the Celebration of Life Comcert at the UU Meeting House on Friday, September 6 at 8pm, produced by John Thomas.If you have a motorized boat, we would welcome your assistance for transportation and safety. For information for swimmers, kayakers, boaters and volunteers, contact: thecompact@comcast.net, and www.swim4life.org Take the Plunge!