British-South African endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh is embarking on a bold and unprecedented mission to reshape the public’s perception of sharks—by swimming around Martha’s Vineyard, the iconic island where Jaws was filmed nearly 50 years ago.
Pugh, who has gained global recognition as the first person to complete long-distance swims in all of the world’s oceans, began his journey on Thursday from Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse. His aim is to complete the 62-mile (100-kilometer) swim in freezing waters—wearing nothing more than a swimsuit, swim cap, and goggles—in just under two weeks.
“This swim is going to test me physically and mentally,” said Pugh, 55, standing at the starting point while studying wind patterns. “I’ll be talking about sharks every single day, then diving into their territory immediately after. I think you can imagine what’s on my mind.”
While he’s spent his career adhering to an unspoken rule among ocean swimmers—“Don’t talk about sharks”—Pugh is now doing the opposite, making sharks the very focus of his mission. The goal: to challenge the lingering fear that the movie Jaws implanted in the public psyche, and to advocate for the protection of shark species that are now under serious threat.
“For 50 years, we’ve demonized sharks as cold-blooded killers because of a film,” he explained. “But the real villains are the ones wiping out 100 million sharks every year. That’s what’s unsustainable. That’s the real madness.”
Swimming for Shark Conservation
Pugh, who serves as the United Nations Patron of the Oceans, is known for braving some of the most extreme aquatic conditions on Earth—from the icy waters of the Arctic and Antarctic to glacier melt zones near Mount Everest and the crocodile-filled rivers of Africa. Still, he says this challenge is among his most difficult yet.
“Nobody’s ever attempted to swim around Martha’s Vineyard. The water is about 47 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius). That’s cold enough to shock your system,” he said. “And I’ll be doing this daily for 12 days.”
The swim comes just days after the New England Aquarium confirmed the first white shark sighting of the season off the coast of nearby Nantucket, raising both public fascination and fear. But for Pugh, it only underscores the importance of restoring balance to the conversation about sharks.
“We need predators like sharks to keep marine ecosystems healthy. Without them, the ocean’s entire food chain collapses,” Pugh said. “What terrifies me most is not being in the water with a shark, but living in a world without sharks.”
To ensure his safety, Pugh is accompanied by a support team that includes kayakers and a safety boat. He also uses a Shark Shield device—an eco-friendly deterrent that emits an electric field to ward off sharks without harming them.
Facing His Own Fear
Pugh admits that even he was once gripped by fear after watching Jaws as a teenager.
“I was 16 when I first saw the movie, and I was terrified,” he recalled. “But decades of studying sharks and spending time in their environment replaced that fear with awe and respect.”
Indeed, Jaws had a lasting impact far beyond Hollywood. When the film was released in 1975, it quickly became the highest-grossing movie of its time, winning three Academy Awards and revolutionizing the summer blockbuster format. But it also triggered a wave of fear and misunderstanding about sharks—leading to spikes in shark hunting and a steep decline in populations worldwide.
Interestingly, both director Steven Spielberg and Jaws author Peter Benchley later expressed regret over the way the film vilified sharks. In later years, they became outspoken supporters of shark conservation, joining global efforts to reverse the damage the film had done to public perception.
A Call for Urgent Action
According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science, approximately 274,000 sharks are killed globally every day—amounting to nearly 100 million each year. These staggering numbers are primarily driven by overfishing, the illegal shark fin trade, and habitat loss due to climate change.
“If you told people we were wiping out lions or elephants at this scale, there would be outrage,” Pugh said. “But because it’s sharks, many people feel indifferent—or worse, relieved. That has to change.”
Throughout his stay on the Vineyard, Pugh plans to engage residents, tourists, and school groups in public talks and conservation workshops, using his swim as a teaching moment. He’ll swim for three to four hours each day, rest, and spend the remaining time educating others.
“People care more when they feel connected. If my swim helps even a few people see sharks in a different light, it’s worth every freezing stroke,” he said.
He also cautions that the swim is not something amateur swimmers should attempt, noting the extreme cold and currents around Martha’s Vineyard.
“These conditions are harsh. This isn’t a stunt—it’s a statement,” Pugh added. “I’m doing it safely with expert support and the best equipment. Please don’t try to replicate it.”
Changing the Narrative, One Stroke at a Time
Pugh’s campaign comes at a pivotal time in the global conservation movement. Marine scientists have repeatedly warned that the degradation of ocean biodiversity could have catastrophic consequences for human life. Sharks, as apex predators, are essential in maintaining the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.
“This isn’t just about sharks,” Pugh concluded. “It’s about the ocean, climate, and our shared future on this planet. It’s time we stop fearing sharks and start fearing the consequences of losing them.”
As Lewis Pugh continues his swim around the island made famous by fear, he hopes to replace myths with facts, fear with understanding, and silence with action.
