How Pat Reyes and Beavertail Open Water Are Protecting Rhode Island's Waters

The Ocean State has a way of pulling people in. For Pat Reyes, it happened somewhere between his first sunrise swim and his first view of Narragansett Bay from the Jamestown Bridge.

After moving to Rhode Island from New York City in 2021, Reyes quickly found himself immersed in the state's open-water swimming community. What began as a personal passion soon evolved into something much bigger: Beavertail Open Water, a nonprofit dedicated to growing aquatic sports, funding marine science research, and helping protect the waters that make Rhode Island, Rhode Island.

Today, the former NCAA Division I water polo player spends his mornings training in local waters, organizes one of the state's signature open-water events, and is preparing for an ambitious 43-mile swim around Rhode Island's coastline. Along the way, he's connecting athletes, researchers, and ocean advocates through a shared appreciation for the Ocean State's most valuable natural resource.

"When you're ocean swimming, you're truly unplugged and get the chance to clear your mind," says Reyes. "Even in other activities, you've got your earbuds in and see the texts and emails come through. The ocean gives you a chance to step away from all of that."

That connection to the water is at the heart of everything Beavertail Open Water does.

The nonprofit's flagship event, the Around Beavertail Swim in Jamestown, has become Rhode Island's only annually held marathon swim of 10 kilometers or more. The event draws swimmers from across the region while raising money for marine science research and conservation efforts.

For Reyes, the location is part of what makes the experience memorable.

"Whether you're coming from the east or west, you cross a bridge into Jamestown and get this incredible view of Narragansett Bay at dawn," he says. "There's something really special about that moment."

Beyond the finish line, participants are helping fund research projects that support the health of Rhode Island's coastal ecosystems. Through Beavertail Open Water's grant program, proceeds from events are directed toward local marine science initiatives.

One of the organization's first grants supported a University of Rhode Island researcher studying Rhode Island's state coral and how seasonal changes affect its health.

"What I loved about that project was that it took place less than 10 minutes away from the start line of the Around Beavertail Swim," Reyes says. "It gives swimmers a very tangible connection to where their fundraising efforts have gone."

That direct link between recreation and conservation has resonated with participants. Instead of simply enjoying Rhode Island's waters, swimmers become part of the effort to protect them.

The organization is continuing to expand its impact. On July 25, Beavertail Open Water will host Rhode Island's first open-water water polo tournament at Camp Grosvenor on Narrow River. Teams from across New England, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York, are expected to participate in the all-day fundraiser.

Meanwhile, Reyes has his sights set on an even bigger challenge.

After a training injury postponed plans for the Ocean State Swim, a 43-mile journey around Rhode Island's coastline, he remains committed to completing the feat in 2027. "I'm all in on the pursuit of this swim and fundraiser in 2027," he says.

For anyone curious about open-water swimming, Reyes encourages taking the first step and finding a local group. "What I've found since getting into the sport is that there are open-water swimmers almost everywhere," he says. "The community is extremely inviting."

As Beavertail Open Water grows, so does its mission. Through swims, tournaments, volunteer opportunities, and conservation grants, the organization is helping more people connect with Rhode Island's waters while supporting the researchers working to preserve them for future generations. To learn more about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, conservation grants, or ways to support the mission, visit Beavertail Open Water at beavertailopenwater.org.