Supports “Fish Gotta Swim” immersive program for at-risk youth across Chatham County

Wilderness Southeast (WiSE), Savannah’s original environmental education nonprofit, is hosting its Family Fun Day & Paddle Battle for Fish Gotta Swim on September 13, 2025 at Sun Life Marina on Wilmington Island, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Packed with activities, the day is a fundraiser for WiSE’s flagship educational program, Fish Gotta Swim©. Although Chatham County is on the coast, the students served by Fish Gotta Swim have never been to the beach or the coastal wetlands. Since 2002, Fish Gotta Swim has provided a dynamic, in-person experience for students who don’t engage with nature regularly. Fish Gotta Swim is a full-immersion, customizable program of eight sessions, spread over 21 hours, which takes students exploring in local wetlands and helps them become stewards of our coastal natural resources.

“This year’s Paddle Battle is shaping up to be quite a day in support of our Fish Gotta Swim program,” said Lisa Goodman, executive director of Wilderness Southeast. “We’re hosting it on Wilmington Island for the first time and launching the raffle for a new golf cart. For Chatham County students who have never seen and experienced the ocean or rivers, the funds we raise will enable them to become immersed in the wonders of nature and our beautiful coastal waterways. And we’ll see a great Paddle Battle on the Wilmington River, too!”

As always, Savannah-area sponsors have rallied to support Wilderness Southeast. “Hundreds of studies have proven that being outside in nature increases physical and mental health and cognitive function,” said Cathy J. Sakas, president of WiSE’s Board of Directors. “As a naturalist and biologist, I am deeply saddened to know that well over half of Chatham County’s 35,000 students have never been to the beach, the marshes, the rivers, or the swamps. Our sponsors understand the importance of the Fish Gotta Swim program and are critical in helping us make the day a success. We are very grateful.”

PADDLE PARTY! ACTIVITIES, RAFFLES, FOOD, DRINKS

• Raffle launch for a new GOLF CART! (drawing in December)
• Pontoon Boat rides!
• Bouncy House and games!
• Live music by the World Famous Crabettes!
• Raffle for a new adult-size bike! (Drawing at 3PM)
• Refreshments and snacks for all attendees
• Signature Cocktail for adult ticket holders
• Lowcountry boil for ticket holders

PADDLE BATTLE

• Part of the official Southeast Paddle Sports Series (SEP Series)
• 5K and 10K races
• 1-mile “Just for Fun” race
• Participants (age 12 & up) can win PRIZES
  
  • Kayak Trophies for the top three in each division (age, gender, and craft groupings)
  • SEP Series Points for all 5K and 10k finishers
  • Drinks and snacks available to all racers
  • Free t-shirt for racer
•  Register at https://www.wilderness-southeast.org/paddlebattle2025
  
  • Race tickets are $50 and include the Paddle Party
  • Paddle Party tickets (ages 21 and over) are $50
    Tickets include food and beverages.
  • Youth Paddle Party tickets (ages 12-20) are $25 per person.
    Tickets include food and non-alcoholic beverages.

SPONSORS
The Babcock Law Firm
Bull River Cruises
Hawgs Powersports
Heal Acupuncture/Nicole Ware
Shannon L. James