Safety Protocol for the Harbor Swim

The Swim route was changed from a cross-harbor swim to a shoreline swim due to seals and sharks in the deep waters off of Long Point. For this year’s East End shoreline swim we’d like to share our plan for water safety with you:

  • The Provincetown Harbormaster’s boats will be in the water. Their flashing blue lights on during the Swim will alert passing boats of the existence of swimmers in the water.

  • Contact the Harbormaster on VHF radio channel 12, and/or cell phone 678-918-0431, if danger exists.

  • A siren will sound continuously if a danger exists that makes it necessary to remove all swimmers from the water. Anyone with a whistle should also then begin sounding their whistle to assure the alert is passed on to all.

  • If the siren sounds, swimmers should either board an existing boat or swim to shore.

  • The Harbormaster and each of the other two harbormaster vessels will alert all ‘rescue’ assist vessels to assist in removing swimmers from the water.

Water Safety

With increased attention in the media about a variety of shark sightings, particularly white sharks on ocean beaches and in Cape Cod Bay near seal populations, the Provincetown Community Compact, sponsor of the event, would like to assure participants that swimmer and kayaker safety will continue to be the event’s top priority. 

To address this concern, the event changed its cross-harbor course in 2019 to a shallow shoreline swim along the East End of town. Consistent with prior years, the Swim for Life is working closely with the Provincetown Harbormaster, who patrols the harbor for any unusual activities or animals and keeps a watch on the seal population in the harbor the morning of the event, alongside the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies’ research vessel, Ibis. The US Coast Guard will also be available to assist in water safety.

We utilize similar protocols as the National Seashore in the event of confirmed sightings and response procedures.

If you need to contact the Provincetown Harbormaster’s Office, the phone #: 508 487-7030.

For information about ongoing Cape Cod research: Atlantic White Shark Conservancy

East End Groins

Please stay close to the curve of the shoreline - it is important for your safety and the kayaks and safety boats supporting you.

Look for our kayaker “Rock Stars” guiding you away from the 14 rock groins along the shore.There are a series of 14 groins or rock breakwaters along the East End route that are mostly underwater at high tide. These groins will have kayakers assigned to them - we call them the Rock Stars - to alert swimmers to their position. The groins are marked on the Swim Route map, click map button in sidebar. You may also download a PDF here.

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Thank you.