Endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh has announced an ambitious 62-mile swim around Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, as part of a celebration for the 50th anniversary of the iconic 1975 film ‘Jaws.’ The swim, set for the week of June 7, will take place in waters expected to be 47 degrees Fahrenheit, a stark contrast to the warmer temperatures of other swimming challenges Pugh has undertaken. This unique venture, which will last approximately 12 days, is not merely an athletic feat but a powerful statement on shark conservation and public perception.
Pugh, 55, has previously tackled extreme environments such as swimming near glaciers, volcanoes, and among dangerous wildlife like hippos, crocodiles, and polar bears. Yet, this swim is different—its focus is entirely on sharks, a species often vilified by popular media. ‘On this swim, it’s very different: We’re just talking about sharks all the time,’ Pugh told The Associated Press. He emphasized that the film ‘Jaws’ has contributed to a culture of fear and persecution, with the American Association for the Advancement of Science estimating that 274,000 sharks are killed globally each day. ‘It was a film about sharks attacking humans and for 50 years, we have been attacking sharks… It’s completely unsustainable. It’s madness. We need to respect them,’ he said.
To ensure safety during the swim, a team of personnel in boats and kayaks will accompany Pugh, using a ‘shark shield’ that emits an electric field to deter sharks without harming them. Despite the precautions, the swim aims to challenge the public’s fears and promote coexistence with these vital ocean creatures. Pugh plans to start the swim on Friday, with the goal of raising awareness and encouraging greater protection of sharks. He also intends to spend the remainder of his time on the Vineyard educating the public about the ecological importance of sharks and the need to protect ocean ecosystems for future generations.
The event coincides with the 50th anniversary of ‘Jaws,’ a film that is credited with being the highest-grossing movie of its time before being surpassed by ‘Star Wars’ in 1977. The movie’s influence extends beyond the cinema, as evidenced by the famous ‘Jaws Bridge’ on Beach Road, connecting the towns of Edgartown and Oak Bluffs. This bridge, known for its dramatic jumps into the water, has become a symbol of the film’s impact on popular culture. As Pugh embarks on this swim, he hopes to not only celebrate the film’s legacy but also to highlight the critical role sharks play in ocean health and the need for global conservation efforts.