The Waterman Eco-Challenge, a cherished Rhode Island tradition that champions community, ocean safety, and environmental stewardship, will return on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Scarborough State Beach North in Narragansett. Now in its 15th year, this event continues to bring together athletes, families, and ocean enthusiasts for a day of competition and education.
As part of the Summer Safe Ocean State Event Series, the challenge emphasizes key summer safety practices, including drowning prevention, cardiac health, skin cancer awareness, and coastal environment protection. Participants can enter one or more races, including:
- Summer Safe Ocean State 5K Road Race (Walk or Run)
- 1-Mile and 2.4-Mile Ocean Swim Races
- 3-Mile and 6-Mile Paddle Races (SUP or Prone)
- Eco-Challenger: 5K Run + 1-Mile Swim + 3-Mile Paddle
- Ultimate Challenger: 5K Run + 2.4-Mile Swim + 6-Mile Paddle
In addition to the races, the Public Education Area will offer a variety of interactive educational opportunities, such as drowning prevention and rip current awareness, hands-only CPR and AED demonstrations, skin cancer screenings, and exhibits on coastal sustainability and ocean wildlife.
The event has a history of supporting local causes, with last year’s challenge raising $25,000 for the Partnership to Reduce Cancer in RI, the Janice Casey Memorial Art Scholarship at Narragansett High School, the Rhode Island American Heart Association, and the installation of five public access defibrillator stations at state beaches.
“The Waterman Eco-Challenge has always been about more than racing—it’s about celebrating and protecting the ocean and the community that thrives around it,” said Brian Guadagno, founder of the event. “Fifteen years later, we’re still proud to bring people together for wellness, safety, and sustainability along our coastline.”
Online registration is available at www.watermanecochallenge.com. Early registration is encouraged for discounted rates. All race participants must register, while the Public Education Area is free and open to all.
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