Is there an open water swim spot you love? Tell us about it!
Contributed by Bridget M.M. Simpson, Adirondack Masters
WESTERLY, RI — The first time I saw the ocean was at Misquamicut State Beach when I was a little girl. About ten years ago, I started making the trek back from northern New York state each summer with my kids. The bathhouse is new and features a daughter-approved play area, there is plenty of sandy beach, and the dune has been left to grow sea grasses.
Bridget Simpson surveys her domain at Misquamicut State Beach (photo by Quinn Simpson)
The beach: The beach features lifeguards, coin-operated hot showers, composting toilets, and a concession stand. A Rhode Island seasonal beach parking pass is well worth it to access all of the state’s beaches and their well-maintained facilities. The Misquamicut lot will fill on a weekend morning—I once went to Mass on a Sunday morning and had to wait until about mid-afternoon to park. After hours, the parking lot is open at no charge and the on-beach cold showers may still be working.
Where to swim: I swim between Paddy’s Beach Bar and the Westerly Town Beach, just past the breakers. The swim area is marked by widely spaced buoys far from shore. I have seen a few boats come close to the buoy limits, but I swim about midway between beach and buoy line. I feel safe, but do pay attention. Past Misquamicut, the beaches are guarded, and I may swim past a few more along Atlantic Avenue this summer.
Water conditions: The guards like my bright tow buoy. I swim in deep water, but I can see the ripples in the sand below me. It is brisk—usually in the mid-to-high 60s—but last summer had days in the low-to-mid 70s. There are occasionally rip currents; I once swam for about a half hour with no progress. It was a good workout, and the guards could tell I was not in distress.
Wildlife: Occasionally, seaweed floats on the water in patches or clouds, and last summer there were a few days in August with periodic moon-jellies. Like small, clear jellybeans, they made the water feel like tapioca. While weird, they only caused a problem when some got stuck in my suit and made me itch. Newer, snugger suits had kept them out. In a race or event, I’d have kept going, but since this was a vacation swim, I swapped my goggles for the sunglasses in my tow float and enjoyed a walk on the beach instead.
The Simpson children enjoy the sandy beach
Refueling: My tow float can hold a sundress (in a Ziplock bag), a small snack, and water. I can take a break along the way, and maybe go for clam cakes or a bowl of chowder from Two Little Fish, a great place for lunch just across Atlantic Avenue from the east end of Misquamicut. The dry bag closure can clip around the belt, so I don't have to carry it. Ever so stylish!
Where to stay: Sometimes I make three trips to Misquamicut during the summer. I tent at nearby Burlingame Campgrounds in Charlestown. Sites will book solid on a weekend or holiday, but I risk a walk-in space on weeknights for spur-of-the-moment trips. I check email and fill my cooler on my way to the beach. There are lovely motels and hotels in the area, but I like my cot and tent.
How to join me: I am a solo swimmer, but would be happy to meet up with swimmers when I am in the area. Some trips last a few days, but I have been known to drive down, sleep the night, swim all day, and get back in the car to drive home. Contact Bridget here.
Is there an open water swim spot you love? Tell us about it!