Daredevil Swims Shark-Infested Waters to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of 'Jaws'

A veteran endurance swimmer is embarking on an ambitious and chilling journey around Massachusetts’ Martha’s Vineyard to honor the 50th anniversary of the classic film "Jaws." At age 55, Lewis Pugh will attempt a 62-mile swim in waters expected to be just 47 degrees Fahrenheit – a feat both physically grueling and symbolically significant.

Rather than relying on thermal wetsuits, Pugh will don only his traditional swimming gear: trunks, a cap, and goggles. “On this swim, it’s very different: We’re just talking about sharks all the time,” Pugh explained in an interview. His history of extreme swims includes navigating near glaciers, volcanoes, and even among hippos, crocodiles, and polar bears, but he says this swim comes with a new purpose.

Pugh's mission extends beyond personal accomplishment. He aims to draw attention to shark conservation efforts and challenge the negative perceptions popularized by "Jaws." The 1975 Steven Spielberg film, shot on Martha’s Vineyard, portrayed sharks as ruthless predators. “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,” Pugh expressed.

According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science, some 274,000 sharks are killed every day worldwide, a rate Pugh calls alarming and unsustainable. He hopes his swim helps redirect the narrative from fear to stewardship, emphasizing, “We need to protect life in our oceans — all our futures rely on it.”

To ensure his safety without harm to local wildlife, Pugh’s support crew will follow by boat and kayak, equipped with a "shark shield" device that emits an electric field designed to deter sharks non-lethally.

The swim is slated to begin Friday, with Pugh estimating a 12-day effort to complete the circumnavigation of the island. During breaks from swimming, he plans to educate visitors and residents about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems and fostering coexistence with sharks.

"Jaws" remains an iconic part of American cinema, renowned for its summer release in June 1975 and its record-breaking success at the box office. The film’s legacy endures not only through its impact on film history but also in local landmarks, such as the famed "Jaws Bridge" on Beach Road, where thrill-seekers still leap into the waters below.

Pugh’s endeavor is both a personal challenge and a public appeal, seeking to transform Martha’s Vineyard from a symbol of shark terror into a beacon for ocean conservation.