Frequently
asked questions
When was the Swim for Life started?
1988.
What’s it for?
To both raise funds and awareness of HIV/AIDS, women’s health and community health issues, AND, to appreciate the magnificence and vitality of Provincetown Harbor.
Why swim?
Because you can, because it’s a personal challenge –physical, mental or emotional, because of the enormous healing energy you’ll feel after the event, because it’s a way to stay connected to the quentessential spirit of the community, because you’ll raise funds for important health organizations, and because it’s fun.
What is the water temperature? Do I need a wetsuit?
The water temp is usually around 65 degrees (about as warm as it gets all summer), but it is impossible to predict due to occasional upwelling of colder water, wind, tides, moon, sun. We suggest you bring a wetsuit if you can; we provide free wetsuit loans to registered swimmers who choose to wear one.
When do I have to register?
Not until the morning of the event, at the Boatslip Resort, 161 Commercial Street, beginning at 9:00am. Pre-registration is not required.
I can swim but…?
Many people used to swim on a high school team or swim more frquently years ago, but don’t consider themselves a “swimmer”. To many, a swimmer is one who is in training or in a club, etc. If you can swim, you can participate. Many people use the event as a training goal for themselves as part of a fitness program. It may take some a few years to feel confident, but it’s all part of a process.
Is it a race?
NO, NO, NO. The beauty of the event is that everyone swim’s his or her personal best. It is a Masters Swim-sanctioned event, so we keep the times of all swimmers. We respect everyone’s personal challenge and the event is not over until the last swimmer hits the finish line. And, the last swimmer receives a massage!
May I use flippers, tubes, water wings, etc?
YES, whatever it takes to get you in the water and motivates you to participate. The one rule we have is that the safety of the swimmers is out top priority. Make it fun, and don’t hesitate to seek help, water or a rest from one of the kayaks or safety boats. You are a winner whether you finish the entire distance or not!
Is it true I can solicit pledges on Provincetown streets without being picked up for panhandling?
It’s true! Keep collecting pledges after you arrive in town, right up to registration. The year that an entangled right whale showed up in the harbor before the Swim started we had to delay the event and reconfigure the swim course. James was $200 short of the $1,000 Club so he went back out on Commercial Street and collected enough to reach his goal!
I want to swim but I can’t raise money?
This is a tough one. Is there anyone who likes to raise money (besides taxes)? Raising pledges is part of the process of building up your enthusiasm, commitment and a support team for your swim. You might be surprised if you end up recruiting others to swim with you!
How much do I have to raise?
We have not changed the $100 pledge minimum since we started. We encourage people to take the plunge, to make it easy to join in. The avarage swimmer raises around $350.
Do I receive a t-shirt or prize?
All swimmers receive a ribbon; those who raise $150 receive a free t-shirt; we have a prize for $500 raised, the $1,000 Club, and the Circle of Honor (those who have swum ten years or raised $10,000).
Is it safe out in the harbor?
Safety is the primary focus of the Swim organizers. Flags and markers line the swim lane. The Provincetown Rescue Squad is on hand at the finish line as well as our medical team; dozens of kayakers are an important link in the safety chain as well as a contingent of lifeguards on boards, safety boaters, the Provincetown Harbormaster and the US Coast Guard. We provide snacks and hot tea before and after the swim and the Boatslip provides hot showers to those detremined in need by the Rescue Squad and medical team.
Do you need volunteers? How many?
Yes, please sign up. This event requires over 150 vounteers to run smoothly. Tasks include: t-shirt sales, Mermaid Brunch servers, boaters, finish line, wet suit distribution, lost and found, set-up/clean up, prizes, water and snacks, medical team, regisstration, money handlers, Prayer Ribbons, welcome committee and many other functions.
How may kayakers participate?
The “Paddler Flotilla” was created to acknowledge the importance of kayakers for the safety of the event. The Flotilla leads the swimmers across the harbor from Long Point. Kayakers need to register at the Boatslip beach and are encouraged to raise pledges like the swimmers, but that is optional.
What else happens that weekend?
The Celebration of Life Concert (free) on Friday evening; the Mermaid Brunch following the Swim; awards and entertainment; and in the afternoon, the Schooner Regatta & Yacht Race in the Harbor.
Who runs the event?
The Swim for Life is run by Jay Critchley, director of the Provincetown Community Compact, Inc. (The Compact), a non-profit, tax-exempt organization the manages the event. We also run two dune shack residencies in Cape Cod National Seashore and provide fiscal sponsorship for artist and community projects.
When was the Swim for Life started?
1988.
What’s it for?
To both raise funds and awareness of HIV/AIDS, women’s health and community health issues, AND, to appreciate the magnificence and vitality of Provincetown Harbor.
Why swim?
Because you can, because it’s a personal challenge –physical, mental or emotional, because of the enormous healing energy you’ll feel after the event, because it’s a way to stay connected to the quentessential spirit of the community, because you’ll raise funds for important health organizations, and because it’s fun.
What is the water temperature? Do I need a wetsuit?
The water temp is usually around 65 degrees (about as warm as it gets all summer), but it is impossible to predict due to occasional upwelling of colder water, wind, tides, moon, sun. We suggest you bring a wetsuit if you can; we provide free wetsuit loans to registered swimmers who choose to wear one.
When do I have to register?
Not until the morning of the event, at the Boatslip Resort, 161 Commercial Street, beginning at 9:00am. Pre-registration is not required.
I can swim but…?
Many people used to swim on a high school team or swim more frquently years ago, but don’t consider themselves a “swimmer”. To many, a swimmer is one who is in training or in a club, etc. If you can swim, you can participate. Many people use the event as a training goal for themselves as part of a fitness program. It may take some a few years to feel confident, but it’s all part of a process.
Is it a race?
NO, NO, NO. The beauty of the event is that everyone swim’s his or her personal best. It is a Masters Swim-sanctioned event, so we keep the times of all swimmers. We respect everyone’s personal challenge and the event is not over until the last swimmer hits the finish line. And, the last swimmer receives a massage!
May I use flippers, tubes, water wings, etc?
YES, whatever it takes to get you in the water and motivates you to participate. The one rule we have is that the safety of the swimmers is out top priority. Make it fun, and don’t hesitate to seek help, water or a rest from one of the kayaks or safety boats. You are a winner whether you finish the entire distance or not!
Is it true I can solicit pledges on Provincetown streets without being picked up for panhandling?
It’s true! Keep collecting pledges after you arrive in town, right up to registration. The year that an entangled right whale showed up in the harbor before the Swim started we had to delay the event and reconfigure the swim course. James was $200 short of the $1,000 Club so he went back out on Commercial Street and collected enough to reach his goal!
I want to swim but I can’t raise money?
This is a tough one. Is there anyone who likes to raise money (besides taxes)? Raising pledges is part of the process of building up your enthusiasm, commitment and a support team for your swim. You might be surprised if you end up recruiting others to swim with you!
How much do I have to raise?
We have not changed the $100 pledge minimum since we started. We encourage people to take the plunge, to make it easy to join in. The avarage swimmer raises around $350.
Do I receive a t-shirt or prize?
All swimmers receive a ribbon; those who raise $150 receive a free t-shirt; we have a prize for $500 raised, the $1,000 Club, and the Circle of Honor (those who have swum ten years or raised $10,000).
Is it safe out in the harbor?
Safety is the primary focus of the Swim organizers. Flags and markers line the swim lane. The Provincetown Rescue Squad is on hand at the finish line as well as our medical team; dozens of kayakers are an important link in the safety chain as well as a contingent of lifeguards on boards, safety boaters, the Provincetown Harbormaster and the US Coast Guard. We provide snacks and hot tea before and after the swim and the Boatslip provides hot showers to those detremined in need by the Rescue Squad and medical team.
Do you need volunteers? How many?
Yes, please sign up. This event requires over 150 vounteers to run smoothly. Tasks include: t-shirt sales, Mermaid Brunch servers, boaters, finish line, wet suit distribution, lost and found, set-up/clean up, prizes, water and snacks, medical team, regisstration, money handlers, Prayer Ribbons, welcome committee and many other functions.
How may kayakers participate?
The “Paddler Flotilla” was created to acknowledge the importance of kayakers for the safety of the event. The Flotilla leads the swimmers across the harbor from Long Point. Kayakers need to register at the Boatslip beach and are encouraged to raise pledges like the swimmers, but that is optional.
What else happens that weekend?
The Celebration of Life Concert (free) on Friday evening; the Mermaid Brunch following the Swim; awards and entertainment; and in the afternoon, the Schooner Regatta & Yacht Race in the Harbor.
Who runs the event?
The Swim for Life is run by Jay Critchley, director of the Provincetown Community Compact, Inc. (The Compact), a non-profit, tax-exempt organization the manages the event. We also run two dune shack residencies in Cape Cod National Seashore and provide fiscal sponsorship for artist and community projects.
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