Biography
Lewis Pugh is a British-South African endurance swimmer and ocean advocate. He is the first person to complete a long-distance swim in every ocean of the world, and he frequently swims in vulnerable ecosystems to draw attention to their plight. He was appointed the first UN Patron of the Oceans in 2013.
Early Start
Pugh had his first swimming lesson at 17 and a month later swam from Robben Island to Cape Town. He grew up on the edge of Dartmoor in Devon, England, and his family emigrated to South Africa when he was 10.
Challenges Overcome
Pugh has pioneered swims in the coldest and most hostile waters of the world, including the North Pole and a glacial lake on Mount Everest, to raise awareness about climate change and the need for marine protected areas.
Key Achievements
- First person to complete a long-distance swim in every ocean
- First swim across the North Pole
- Swam across a glacial lake on Mount Everest
- Played a key role in creating the largest marine reserve in the world in the Ross Sea
- Swam the entire length of the English Channel
Why They Inspire Us
Pugh's incredible feats of endurance are not just for personal achievement, but to highlight the fragility of our planet's ecosystems and inspire action to protect them. He uses his platform to advocate for ocean conservation and has been instrumental in the creation of marine protected areas.
"There's a fine line between bravery and stupidity, which should never be crossed."