Nahant S.W.I.M.

The S.W.I.M. Mission

Since 1984, Nahant S.W.I.M. Inc. has worked to protect the region’s waters, beaches, and land from pollution and environmental harm. The nonprofit carries out its mission by monitoring water quality, planning and supporting environmental initiatives, providing scientific expertise, collaborating with other organizations, and informing the public through educational programs and timely updates. Serving as a trusted local resource, S.W.I.M. engages the community, promotes environmental stewardship, and works to preserve Nahant’s natural environment for future generations.

Initiatives

Clean Beach Initiative

Nahant S.W.I.M. Inc. leads several community-driven efforts to protect and maintain the town’s shoreline. Through the Adopt-a-Beach program, volunteer “Beachkeepers” commit to monthly cleanups of designated beaches, helping track debris and monitor environmental trends. Each spring, the Annual Beaches Cleanup Day brings residents of all ages together for a large-scale effort to remove trash and preserve the town’s scenic coastline. In the fall, S.W.I.M. partners with the worldwide COASTSWEEP initiative to clear litter from Short Beach while gathering data to support global research on marine pollution. Together, these initiatives foster environmental awareness, community pride, and the long-term health of Nahant’s beaches. Find the trash collected at the latest beach cleanup here for Short Beach and Tudor Beach.

Taking Action to Protect the Environment

Nahant S.W.I.M. Inc. actively addresses environmental threats through education and advocacy. One recent initiative, led by President Vi Patek, focuses on raising awareness about eelgrass—an underwater flowering plant often called “the lungs of the ocean” for its vital role in supporting marine life. In response to the growing threats of climate change, warming waters, and pollution, S.W.I.M. worked with local officials to install an informational panel at Tudor Wharf explaining the importance of eelgrass and the challenges it faces. By funding and organizing projects like this, S.W.I.M. equips the community with the knowledge needed to understand environmental issues and take steps to protect the region’s coastal ecosystems.

Community Initiatives

S.W.I.M. actively partners with the Town of Nahant to promote environmental stewardship and community engagement. Through the Island Gold composting program, SWIM donated $2,000 to provide new composting families with stainless-steel kitchen bins, helping expand participation toward a 200-household goal. Composting reduces landfill waste, lowers trash removal costs, and cuts methane emissions, with both residents and Johnson Elementary School participating.
SWIM’s Plant a Tree program, funded by community donations, has added red and white oaks and a Japanese Scholar Tree to Marjoram Park, encouraging reforestation and beautification. The organization also supports environmental education through its Greenscapes program, teaching local students about stormwater management and sustainable lawn care.
Additionally, SWIM funds scholarships for Nahant middle, high school, and college students to attend Northeastern University’s Coastal Ocean Science Academy or participate in related internships, fostering the next generation of ocean science leaders.