Veteran Swimmer's Lake Michigan Crossing Attempt Halted After Two Days
A 60-year-old swimmer's attempt to cross Lake Michigan from Michigan to Wisconsin appears to have ended after two days. The feat, covering over 80 miles, was a repeat of his 1998 success.
Jim Dreyer, a 60-year-old swimmer known as "The Shark," seemingly concluded his attempt to swim across Lake Michigan after two days in the water. The endeavor, which began on August 7, 2024, aimed to replicate his successful 1998 crossing of the vast freshwater body.
Lake Michigan, the third-largest of the five Great Lakes by surface area, spans 22,404 square miles (58,030 km²). With an average depth of 279 feet (85 m) and a maximum depth of 923 feet (281 m), it presents a formidable challenge for long-distance swimmers.
Dreyer's ambitious route from Grand Haven, Michigan, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, would have covered more than 80 miles (128.7 kilometers). However, an online tracking device indicated that the swimmer appeared to return to shore by boat on August 9, 2024.
The swimmer's supporters reported on social media that he was out of the water and physically well. However, Dreyer himself has not responded to requests for comment, and official confirmation from authorities such as the U.S. Coast Guard, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, or local police agencies was not available.
This latest attempt follows Dreyer's successful crossing in 1998, when he swam from Two Rivers, Wisconsin, to Michigan's Ludington State Park in nearly 41 hours. It's worth noting that Lake Michigan's shoreline stretches approximately 1,640 miles (2,640 km), making such crossings exceptionally challenging.
Interestingly, Lake Michigan is the only Great Lake located entirely within the United States and serves as a major source of drinking water for millions of people. The lake, formed by glacial action about 11,000 years ago, has never completely frozen over due to its size and depth.
Dreyer's recent attempt was not his first since the 1998 success. In 2023, marking the 25th anniversary of his original feat, he made two attempts to cross the lake but had to abandon both due to volatile weather and water conditions. Lake Michigan is known for its "seiche" events - sudden water level changes caused by wind and atmospheric pressure - which can pose significant risks to swimmers.
Despite the apparent setback, Dreyer's efforts highlight the enduring allure of Lake Michigan as a challenge for endurance swimmers. With over 1,500 recorded shipwrecks, the lake's history and ecology continue to captivate both athletes and researchers alike.
"Crossing Lake Michigan was the most challenging and rewarding experience of my life. The vastness of the lake and the unpredictability of its conditions tested every ounce of my determination."
As the swimming community awaits official word from Dreyer regarding this latest attempt, his previous achievements and persistent efforts serve as a testament to human endurance and the ongoing fascination with conquering one of North America's great natural wonders.
