Bernie Butler was always a keen swimmer.
In 1971 he moved from his native Nassau to West End on Grand Bahama. That same year he joined the board of The Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association – BASRA – and helped organize the original BASRA swim race.
For decades this annual event has been a firm fixture on Freeport’s social calendar; an open water swim followed by a big party and trophy award ceremony at Coral Beach.
Traditionally all funds from the event have supported BASRA’s life-saving, volunteer work but more recently they support swimming lessons for underprivileged children.
Bernie Butler in one of the early events.
Former Freeport resident, Tony Sewell writes: The Butlers (starting with Bernie) dominated the men’s competition for years. Lou Seiler and I used to MC the event from the Coral Beach lifeguard seat. What great fun it was!
THE EARLY DAYS
Here are a few photos from the 1976 Swim. As always the Rotary Club was on hand grilling hot dogs and hamburgers for the crowd.
A young Robbie Butler, Bernie’s son, receives the winner’s trophy in the early 70s. Since then he has participated in the competition over 50 times!
THE SWIM TODAY
Nowadays there are multiple races, the John Bradley 5K, the traditional 2K, the Bert Bell 1 mile and a half mile relay. August 2026 marked the 54th year of the competition which was held at Taino Beach, with the awards ceremony afterwards at the Freeport Rugby Club.
The 5K event is a key qualifier for swimmers seeking a place on the national teams with participants coming from several of the islands.
Sadly, Bernie Butler passed away in a tragic accident several years ago but his legacy continues with the event now named the Bernie Butler Open Water Swims in his honor. Hopefully it will continue for many more years as history, athleticism and fun come together in the beautiful waters around Grand Bahama.
Scenes from more recent years. Thanks to Anna Baker and The Nassau Guardian for some of these images.
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