VINEYARD HAVEN, Mass. – So, Lewis Pugh, this endurance swimmer dude, is about to take on a seriously crazy challenge: swimming around Martha’s Vineyard. And get this, he’s doing it without a wetsuit! Yeah, I know, sounds pretty intense. The whole thing is set to kick off on Thursday, starting at the Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse.
Pugh, who is 55 years old, has swum in every ocean on the planet, and now he’s tackling the waters around Martha’s Vineyard, where the famous movie “Jaws” was filmed back in the day. And get this, he’s not just swimming for fun — he’s on a mission to change how people see sharks. He believes they’ve been given a bad rap thanks to movies like “Jaws” that portray them as ruthless killers. Pugh wants to raise awareness and promote shark conservation.
The swim is expected to last around 12 days, with Pugh swimming for hours at a time in the chilly 47-degree water. He’ll be out there, battling the elements, while also educating the public about the importance of protecting sharks. It’s definitely going to be a tough journey, physically and mentally, but Pugh is determined to make a difference. And hey, who knows, maybe he’ll inspire others to join the cause.
