15th Annual Waterman Eco-Challenge Returns to Narragansett
Saturday July 12, 2025
Narragansett, RI – The Waterman Eco-Challenge, a beloved Rhode Island tradition celebrating community, ocean safety, and environmental stewardship, is set to make its return on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Scarborough State Beach North in Narragansett. Now in its 15th year, the event continues to unite athletes, families, and ocean enthusiasts for a day of spirited competition and impactful education. The day is part of the Summer Safe Ocean State Event Series, which promotes safe summer recreational practices through the pillars of drowning prevention, cardiac health, skin cancer prevention, and coastal environment protection.
Event Highlights – Participants can enter one or any combination:
- 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
Beyond the races, attendees & public beach patrons can explore the Public Education Area, featuring:
- Drowning Prevention & Rip Current Awareness Education
- Hands-Only CPR and AED Demonstrations
- Skin Cancer Screenings
- Coastal Environment Sustainability Exhibits
- Ocean Wildlife Education
- Interactive Sponsor Village and Giveaways
Online Registration and event information are found at www.watermanecochallenge.com
Last year’s event raised $25,000, supporting The Partnership to Reduce Cancer in RI, Narragansett High’s Janice Casey Memorial Art Scholarship, the RI American Heart Association, and the deployment of five outdoor public access defibrillator (PAD) Stations at Rhode Island State Beaches.
“The Waterman Eco-Challenge has always been about more than racing—it’s about celebrating and protecting the ocean and our culture & community which thrives around it,” said Brian Guadagno, founder of the Waterman Eco-Challenge. “Fifteen years later, we’re proud to be still bringing people together to celebrate wellness, safety, and sustainability along our beautiful coastline.”
Event sponsors & nonprofits that will be present at the education area include University Orthopedics, Nuts ‘n More, South County Dermatology, Narrow River Kayaks, Partnership to Reduce Cancer in RI, Lifespan, The American Heart Association of RI, Pods Swimming, DEM’s Division of Fish and Wildlife, and more.
“The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is pleased to host the 15th Annual Waterman Eco-Challenge for the second consecutive year on DEM-managed land—this time at the iconic Scarborough North State Beach,” said DEM’s Deputy Director Jason McNamee. “This inspiring event raises awareness for causes aligned with DEM’s mission, including drowning prevention and the protection of our coastal environments. We’re honored to support an initiative that celebrates both environmental stewardship and public safety.”
Registration Details:
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Online & On-Site Registration Through & Including July 12th, 2025
