Ocean advocate Pugh finishes ‘Long Swim’
SWIMMING 560km in 49 days, endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh braved the length of the gruelling English Channel in aid of his campaign, The Long Swim, to raise awareness of the threat over-fishing and plastic pollution poses to our oceans.
Wearing just Speedo swimming trunks, a cap and goggles, Pugh started the swim at Land’s End in Cornwall on Thursday, July 12, and emerged at Dover harbour on Wednesday, after swimming 10km to 20km every day.
He tweeted regularly about the pollution he witnessed along the way.
“During this swim, I’ve seen virtually no wildlife – aside from a few birds, a few dolphins and one turtle. It shows that our oceans have been very badly over-fished,” said Pugh.
“Scientists are clear that we need to be protecting at least 30% of our oceans by 2030 if they are going to be able to stand a chance of recovery and be sustainable.”
Admiration poured in from various marine protection organisations.
“Congratulations to LewisPugh for his heroic achievement completing #TheLongSwim today, swimming from Land’s End to Dover to raise awareness of #plasticpollution and the need for greater protection for our oceans,” tweeted Surfers Against Sewage.
The Royal Navy added: “It’s been an honour to be able to support Lewis Pugh on his Long Swim; an incredible journey and we will continue to champion Lewis and his mission to protect the oceans.”
His swim was authenticated by the Channel Swimming Association.
Pugh was appointed as the first UN Patron of the Oceans in 2013.
He worked as a maritime lawyer before becoming a full-time ocean advocate.