Swimming in America's Oldest Seaport

In 1979, four Cape Ann residents swam across Gloucester Harbor, America's oldest seaport, in protest of its polluted status.

The solo swimmers' efforts turned into an annual Audubon Society-sponsored event to help raise funds for cleaning the harbor. In 1993, the harbor was deemed clean by the Audubon Society.

Knowing that the positive results were important, Richie Martin kept the Swim for a Clean Harbor event going and continues to be the race director. The 1.2-mile triangular swim, now known as Celebrate the Clean Harbor Swim, is sponsored by the New England Marathon Swimming Association and will be held at Niles Beach on August 22nd this year.