I have completed four Save The Bay swims so far, and I am proud to be part of this year’s event, especially because it marks the 50th Swim, a milestone that reflects decades of work to protect and restore Narragansett Bay. A clean, healthy Bay is something every Rhode Islander and visitor benefits from, and supporting this mission has always mattered to me.

This year carries an even deeper meaning. I originally planned to enter as part of the “Joint Army/GVP/Combined Services Team,” and had already gathered twelve swimmers for that pod. But yesterday, several members of the Mackerel Cove Pod created a new team: Friends of Jonathan Cooper.

After speaking with our team captain, we unanimously decided to join the newly formed team and retire our original name. Many of us had the privilege of swimming with Jonathan—some occasionally, others year‑round—and all of us were touched by his spirit. His adventure swims, his dry Brit‑wit, his antics, and his genuine care for the swim community made him a fixture of the Bay and a friend to so many.

Joining this team is our way of honoring him.