NARRAGANSETT, R.I. — The Northeastern women's swim and dive team will participate in the 15th annual Swim Across America at Roger Wheeler State Beach this Saturday. Each swimming athlete will swim on the one-mile course, and the divers will partake in the half-mile course.

"I am so proud of our team for continuing this wonderful tradition of serving the greater community to start the school year," commented head coach Roy Coates. "Through their fundraising efforts and swimming a mile in open water, the swimmers and divers are taking action to help others. The women have exceeded our goal by raising over $15,000 for cancer research, prevention and treatment. This is a great team experience for an amazing cause."

Founded in 1984, Swim Across America is a nonprofit organization that raises money for cancer research and clinical trials beyond surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Hosted in more than 10+ major American cities, each unique charity swim event partners with a local research or academic hospital to act as the donee.

The Rhode Island Open Water Swim at Roger Wheeler State Beach benefits the Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, a cancer research, prevention, and treatment facility. Since 2010, the open water charity event has helped raise nearly $2.5 million to combat multiple forms of cancer.

"Swim Across America is a chance for us to make a significant impact as a team," said senior diving captain Isabelle Chambers. "By swimming to support groundbreaking research and raise awareness, we strengthen our bond through a shared purpose and goal to contribute to something bigger than ourselves. Together, we are committed to inspiring hope and making a lasting difference in fighting against cancer."

Last year, Northeastern raised $9,193 and $266,893 overall at the Rhode Island Open Water Swim.  

To learn more about the Rhode Island Open Water Swim, click here.

To donate to Swim Across America and learn more about the nonprofit, click here.