New Bedford’s West Beach New Bedford Open Water Swimming

West Beach in New Bedford, Massachusetts occupies a protected cove on Buzzards Bay, featuring a long sandy shoreline ideal for open water swimming. Access via Rodney French Boulevard with parking available along the beach road and in adjacent lots. The beach includes restrooms, outdoor showers, and a bathhouse. Lifeguards patrol during summer season, making this suitable for swimmers of varying abilities.

The protected cove location provides calmer conditions than open ocean beaches, with waves moderated by the surrounding geography. Water entry is gradual over sandy bottom, with the beach’s curve offering different exposure to wind and current based on conditions. The bay’s unique position creates swimming conditions distinct from Cape Cod Bay or the Atlantic Ocean, with typically warmer water temperatures and more moderate surf. Summer water temperatures reach comfortable levels for extended swimming by July, remaining warm through early September.

This beach hosts the Buzzards Bay Swim, an established open water swimming event that draws participants from throughout New England. The race showcases the quality swimming conditions available in this protected bay setting. The event brings together the local swimming community and highlights New Bedford as a significant open water swimming venue in southeastern Massachusetts. Training for bay swimming requires understanding tidal currents and developing skills for sighting in open water without lane lines.

Water quality monitoring is conducted by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health with additional data available through the EPA Beacon system. The beach’s protected cove location and regular monitoring help ensure good swimming conditions throughout the summer season. New Bedford’s rich maritime history and working waterfront create a unique backdrop for open water swimming, combining urban swimming access with the appeal of Buzzards Bay’s protected waters.