Jim Dreyer announces latest swim across Lake Michigan

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WOOD) — Jim Dreyer says he’s once again ready to try to swim across Lake Michigan.

“The Shark” plans to start his journey on Aug. 6 and swim 82.9 miles from McKinley Beach in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and arrive at Grand Haven City Beach.

Dreyer first gained notoriety in 1998 after he swam 65 miles across Lake Michigan — from Two Rivers, Wisconsin, to Ludington — the first and only person known to complete the journey.

Last year, he launched “The Silver Sequel,” planning to mark the 25th anniversary of his swim with another at an even greater distance. He tried twice, but both attempts had to be aborted midway through due to worsening conditions.

In the first attempt, Dreyer’s escort boat kept getting blown further off course. In the second attempt, Dreyer swam solo, carrying an inflatable dinghy with 225 pounds of supplies. That swim also had to be aborted after the dinghy tore apart under the heavy waves.

“This announcement should come as no surprise,” Dreyer said in a news release . “Anyone who knows me expects that I will not walk away from a goal before it is accomplished.”

Dreyer says he plans to once again swim solo and tow his own supplies. He estimates that currents could actually stretch the swim closer to 90 miles and that it will likely take more than 72 hours.

While he will be swimming alone, Dreyer has a full support and rescue team monitoring all of his movements. A safety team will be stationed in Milwaukee and watch there, moving over to Michigan once he crosses state lines.

He also swims with special GPS mapping equipment, including specialized goggles that help Dreyer navigate his trip.

“Even with all the extensive training and planning, I understand the inherent dangers of this self-sufficient swim,” Dreyer stated. “I hope this calculated risk captures the imaginations of adventurous souls everywhere, as I find my way across the seemingly endless expanse of Lake Michigan.”

Dreyer says it’s important to finish the swim this year because 2025 is not in the cards.

“Next summer, I will be directing the Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the tragic sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. I am dedicated to that event and film project,” he stated.

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