Swimmers make their way into the water from the Bar Island sand bar.Swimmers make their way into the water from the Bar Island sand bar.

The Bar Island Swim is a much-loved tradition at College of the Atlantic. It’s equal parts fun, challenging, exhilarating, and rewarding. And quite an exciting way to kick off the academic year. 

Swimmers begin to make their way across the bay.Swimmers begin to make their way across the bay.A total of 138 students took part in the swim. With a crowd this large, use of the school pier or any boats was not an option, so swimmers gathered at the Bar Island sand bar for the start of the event.

Friendly faces waiting at the COA dock for swimmers to emerge.Friendly faces waiting at the COA dock for swimmers to emerge.

A remarkable number of swimmers cover the full, 3/10-mile distance, despite the cold temperature of the water.A remarkable number of swimmers cover the full, 3/10-mile distance, despite the cold temperature of the water.Dozens of students, staff and faculty helped keep the swim a safe and enjoyable event. Boats, inflatables, kayaks and canoes circled the swimmers at all times, with crews ready to lend a hand or pull someone out of the water at a second’s notice.

Boat crews are always at the ready to grab tired or cold swimmers.Boat crews are always at the ready to grab tired or cold swimmers.

Swim participants are mostly students, but alumni, staff, faculty and kids often join in.Swim participants are mostly students, but alumni, staff, faculty and kids often join in.

Safety team members distribute hot chocolate at the COA pier.Safety team members distribute hot chocolate at the COA pier.It’s always an energetic scene at the dock, with cheering, big towels, and hot chocolate to greet the grinning swimmers.

A swimmer emerges feeling triumphant.A swimmer emerges feeling triumphant.

Cold but happy to have swam the distance.Cold but happy to have swam the distance.

This swimmer does not seem too phased by his time in the bay.This swimmer does not seem too phased by his time in the bay.Hot showers, a community cookout,  and live music round out the evening following the swim. And then it’s off to classes the next day.