We invite you to participate in the Friends of the Farm River Kelsey Island Swim on Sunday, September 21. This popular annual fundraising event includes a boat caravan followed by a 1.2 mile group swim, and a snack on the island afterwards. The event is free for all, with a suggested free-will donation of $50 to support FFRE’s year-round conservation efforts. Registration is required at tinyurl.com/kelseyswim (or by email).
Boat pick-up is 9:30 a.m. sharp, and the swim begins at 10:00 a.m. Location details including parking, kayak launch, and boat transfer will be added here shortly. (Rain date is September 27.) More specific instructions are provided upon registration.
Swimmers will be taken by volunteers in a boat caravan to the island to start the swim. The swim lasts about one hour, after which participants can enjoy beverages and chowder on the island. Kelsey Island is located at the mouth of the Farm River on the border between Branford and East Haven. This annual event is a great opportunity to meet new friends, visit with neighbors, and learn more about the Farm River and the Friends of the Farm River.
If you’re not a swimmer but want to join in, we always welcome you to volunteer to sign in swimmers, to prep the after-swim snacks, to collect donations, and, if you have a kayak, to act as a spotter for swimmers.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND MAP BELOW
THINGS TO KNOW about the KELSEY ISLAND SWIM
REGISTER NOW!
Register now if you’d like to join us for the 2025 Annual FFRE Kelsey Island Swim fundraiser. It is only a week away on SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21.
- REGISTER here: tinyurl.com/kelseyswim (or by email).
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
GET OUT THE WORD – We need more kayakers to volunteer! Our goal is 1 kayak per swimmer. Kayakers need not make any contribution, other than your time and kayak.
DIRECTIONS
Meeting Point DIRECTIONS: Plug in “50 Mansfield Grove Road” to Google Maps or GPS and proceed to the meeting spot on the East Haven side, near the mouth of the Farm River. Everyone must be parked by 9:30 am.
Parking DIRECTIONS: Take a left opposite 50 Mansfield Grove onto a wide driveway that immediately leads to a grassy parking lot. An attendant will assist you in finding a parking space and directing you to the kayak put in location on the beach.
Carpool if possible since parking is limited.
GETTING THERE
Swimmers and Volunteers: A boat ferry will be available to take you to/from the parking area to Kelsey’s island. Please arrive between 9-9:30to catch a ride. All must be parked by 9:30 am.
Kayakers coming by car: You will be directed to the put-in location requiring a carry of about 75 yards to the water’s edge on the East Haven beach (about 250 yards from Kelsey Island — directly across the mouth of the Farm River)
OTHER DETAILS
- Swim Begins at 10 am
- What to bring: Beach towels & sun protection, water bottles.
- T-SHIRTS for the 2025 Swim are in the process of being made and will be available soon. Stay tuned!
Friends of the Farm River and Estuary 
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