Westport swimmer Steve Johnson set a new record in Saturday's annual Buzzards Bay swim, raising an all-time high $13,200 to benefit the Buzzards Bay Coalition.

Overcast skies and the occasional shower did not deter Johnson or the 224 other swimmers (21 from Westport) who participated in this year’s swim, starting in New Bedford’s Outer Harbor and concluding in Fairhaven.

The 1.2-mile course began in New Bedford’s South End, headed past the iconic Butler Flats Lighthouse and New Bedford Hurricane Barrier, and finished at Fort Phoenix in Fairhaven. There, swimmers were greeted by cheering crowds, live music, a hot breakfast and cold beer.

The swimmers were supported by more than 100 volunteers and raised more than $172,000 to advance the mission of the Buzzards Bay Coalition. Now in its 30th year, the swim provides vital resources for the coalition’s work to ensure clean water in all Bay communities, restore and protect watershed lands, and get people of all ages outside and engaged with their local environment.

Participants ranged from first-time swimmers to those who competed in the first-ever event 30 years ago.

Michelle Marder from Lynnfield was one of the event’s first-time swimmers.

“I’ve never done this race before, but I was really excited to raise money for the Buzzards Bay Coalition to help keep the water clean.”

Originally from New Bedford and now a Berkley resident, Matt Tweedie was one of the original 17 swimmers who jumped in the Outer Harbor 30 years ago and was back again this year.

“A lot has changed since that first Buzzards Bay Swim. Thankfully many places in our bay have improved, but there is still much to do and new challenges to face ... I decided to swim again this year because I figured it was a fun time to do it again and support the bay.”

Heather Cyr of New Bedford participated in the swim for her fourth time, and she swam "because clean water and a healthy coast, it doesn’t get better than that. We have to take care of our home.”

Apart from Johnson, the top fund-raisers were Nancy Smith of Dartmouth, who raised $5,450, and Jessica Whittaker of Rochester, who raised $4,400. Whittaker is also a member of the top fund-raising team, "For Emma," which counted 34 members and raised more than $20,000.

The fastest swimmers were Jack Bauer of Cambridge, with a time of 24 minutes and 36 seconds, and Carlyn Soares of Beverly, with a time of 24 minutes and 48 seconds. The fastest adult team, winning the Wheeler Watershed Challenge Cup, were the Salty Sea Dogs. The fastest youth team, winning the Quicks Award, was For Emma.