If you’ve ventured to Barters Island, you know it’s a spectacularly unique place along our peninsula. Sweeping views of sea and horizon. The ever-present tide reminding us of the bountiful gift of breathing in, and out. And in again. This stunning area of Maine can only be eclipsed by one thing: the people of our region. Here, we live by the unspoken code inherent in the enduring adage that a rising tide lifts all boats. It’s our imperative. Because we live close to the sea, and one another—our destinies are inextricably linked with neighbors, generations past, and generations to come. 

This spirit of connectedness buoys the Y’s annual Rowgatta, an expeditionary, community-inspired demonstration of support for the Y’s aquatic programming. As rowers of all ages gather into row boats, kayaks, canoes, sculls and other people-powered craft, they row for a cause: to support aquatics at the Y. One foundational aquatics program is the 2nd grade water safety program. “Teaching kids to be safe in and around water is so important,” said David Washburn, aquatics director at the Boothbay Y. “We want kids to have fun, of course, but safety always comes first,” he added. Kids who attend Washburn’s programs are bussed to the Y from their respective schools—at no cost to families or schools. During the 2023-24 school year, 80 area 2nd graders from Boothbay Region Elementary School, Southport Central School and The Center for Teaching and Learning.

On Friday, Aug. 9, all are encouraged to bring their oar-powered boats to beautiful Barters Island. Rowers will be supporting the Aquatics Center where everyone can make a splash. An historic turnout will ensure aquatics programming for the entire Y family, demonstrating how our boats can raise a tide of communal support.