British-South African endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh completed the first-ever swim around Martha’s Vineyard, a 60-mile (97-kilometer) journey over 12 days, finishing on May 26, 2025. Starting on May 15, Pugh swam in 47°F (8°C) waters during the white shark migration season to raise awareness about shark conservation, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Jaws, filmed on the island.
He aimed to challenge the film’s portrayal of sharks as “villains” and highlight their critical role in ocean ecosystems, noting that about 274,000 sharks are killed daily, largely due to commercial fishing. Pugh faced harsh conditions, including a nor’easter storm with 7 inches of rain, strong winds, and waves, making this one of his toughest swims in a 40-year career that includes swims across the North Pole and all the world’s oceans. He swam in just trunks, a cap, and goggles, enduring cold and unpredictable currents. Pugh, a UN Patron of the Oceans, plans to advocate for shark protections with policymakers next.