British-South African endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh has announced that he will attempt to become the first person to swim the full length of the Hudson River in the United States unassisted.
The UNEP Patron of the Oceans has pioneered swims in the most challenging environments on earth, including the Antarctic, the North Pole, the Red Sea and the Himalayas.
The expedition will take place between 13 August to 13 September. The aim is to highlight the critical importance of river health to the health of the world’s oceans and the overall global environment.
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The 507-kilometre swim, one of the most challenging ever attempted by Pugh, will wrap up shortly before 20 September, when nations will begin ratifying the historic High Seas Treaty, which aims to protect biodiversity in international waters.
“If we want healthy oceans, we also need healthy rivers — it’s that simple,” said Pugh. “Clean rivers are essential in the fight for global sustainability. Indeed, our very existence depends on fresh water, clean air, and a habitable planet. The good news is that rivers are accessible to most people and we know what it takes to get them healthy. I specifically chose the Hudson for this swim because of the environmental progress that’s been made on the iconic waterway in recent years. Much work is still required, but tangible improvements have been made, setting an example for restoring rivers around the world.”
