Some History Made at 2009 Citizens Bank/Save The Bay Swim

PROVIDENCE (August 15, 2000) – Unfavorable July tides resulted in a rare August date for the 2009 Citizens Bank/Save The Bay Swim but it was well worth the wait for 411 swimmers who crossed Narragansett Bay from Newport to Jamestown on a picture-perfect day for demonstrating their stewardship of the Bay.

On YouTube: Faces of the Swim / The Start / The Finish Line / The Television PSA

With swimmer pledges still coming in, Save The Bay expects to raise nearly a quarter of a million dollars to support the organization’s mission to ensure the health and future of the Bay, its watershed and southern coastal waters.

Matt Gilson, 41, of Providence was the first in the 1.7-mile trek, finishing in 37 minutes, 48 seconds. Emily Hammang, 21, of Barrington, was second, coming in at 40:11, and Meredeth Gilson, 38, of Falmouth, Mass, was third (40:46).

Complete results, photos and videos are posted at www.savebay.org.

Editors: An attached Excel spreadsheet accompanying this news release includes the times of all 411 Swimmers, their ages and their hometowns. Additional photos are available on request.

Jonathan Stone made history, becoming the first Save The Bay Executive Director to swim the Swim. A four-time participant before he was named the organization's leader earlier this year, Stone completed his fifth Save The Bay Swim in 59 minutes and 58 seconds. His wife Sarah also took part. A first-time participant, she finished in 1 hour, 15 minutes and 55 seconds. (Jonathan & Sarah Stone photo attached)

In another first, Commander Richard C. Valentine, USN Executive Officer Naval Station Newport, became the first Newport base commander to take part in the Swim. His time was 1:13:33.

"We are grateful for every dollar our swimmers raise and we thank them for working together to make this an orderly and safe Swim," said Stone. "We can't say 'thank you' enough.

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