Guided by his mantra—“You don’t need permission to change the world”—Lewis Pugh set out to swim around Martha’s Vineyard, navigating the chilly, fast-moving waters off the northeastern coast of the United States. Known for his swims in some of the world’s most threatened marine environments, Pugh uses endurance swimming as a platform to spotlight the urgent need for ocean protection.

His latest mission: a 12-day circumnavigation of Martha’s Vineyard, completed on the 50th anniversary of Jaws, a film that helped shape public fear of sharks. Through this symbolic swim, Pugh aims to shift the narrative—to focus not on fear, but on the critical role sharks play in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems.

Ahead of World Oceans Day, we spoke with Lewis about the swim, the message behind it, and what continues to drive his work.

What was going through your mind as you swam those waters?

Honestly, we didn’t plan for perfect conditions - but nobody expected a 10-day storm to roll in. The first day was great, the last day was great, but those 10 days in the middle? Brutal. Martha’s Vineyard sits right off Cape Cod, exposed to the raw power of the North Atlantic, so it was a tough ride. On top of that, I was swimming in cold water for nearly two weeks straight - and doing interviews every day talking sharks, sharks, sharks. So, every time I dove into the water, I was thinking about what might be beneath me. It made this one of the toughest swims I’ve ever done.

Why was it important for you to “flip the script” with this swim?

For 50 years, the movie Jaws has shaped how people see sharks - as ruthless killers. That fear has led to terrible consequences, like vendetta killings, and a culture of misunderstanding. Even Steven Spielberg and Peter Benchley, the author of the original book, have since said they regret how their story painted sharks. So now, it’s time to change that narrative for a new generation. Sharks are apex predators. They’re not monsters - they’re magnificent creatures that keep the ocean balanced and healthy. When apex predators disappear, the whole ecosystem starts to fall apart. This swim was my way of flipping that fear on its head - shifting the conversation from terror to respect and protection.

What would you want young people today to understand about sharks - and how would you like them to feel about the ocean compared to past generations?

I want young people to know sharks aren’t out to get them. They’re not monsters. They’re essential, magnificent, and critically endangered. What’s really shocking is how many sharks are killed by commercial fishing - an average of 274,000 sharks every single day. That’s 100 million a year. It’s complete madness. It’s an ecocide. There is no other way to describe it.

But the bigger threat? Indifference. The belief that sharks don’t matter, or that their disappearance won’t affect us. I want young people to feel connected to the ocean - to understand that saving sharks means saving the entire marine ecosystem, and ultimately, our own future.

So is it safe to swim with sharks?

I’m not saying it’s safe to swim with sharks - that wouldn’t be honest. But I’m saying they’re not monsters out to get us. They’re vital to a healthy ocean, and right now, they’re seriously threatened. We need to respect them if we want to protect the ocean. Sharks have survived five mass extinctions. They’re older than dinosaurs — incredible creatures. What we need now is education. We need to understand sharks, respect them, and most importantly, protect them.

What’s the solution?

We need to act, and we need to act now. The first step is education - understanding just how crucial sharks are to ocean health. Then, we have to protect them. Think of marine protected areas like national parks - safe spaces in the sea where sharks and countless other species can recover and thrive. There’s a global goal to protect at least 30% of our oceans by 2030. That’s a solid start, but time is running out. This isn’t just about saving the ocean; it’s about saving life itself - including us.

Your swims often are bold, symbolic swims in vulnerable or politically significant waters. How do you choose your locations - and how do you prepare yourself physically and mentally to deliver your message through action?

I choose swims that shine a light on places or species under threat. After the swim, the real work begins - pushing for protection of those areas or species. Before I commit, I ask myself a few questions: Is this swim epic? I’m not interested in “great” swims; I want epic ones. Does it educate? Does it shift the conversation? Is there a clear, simple message? Is it pioneering - a first? Firsts attract media attention, and that helps put pressure on policymakers. Finally, I ask: Will it inspire? Not just the public, but decision-makers too. Because awareness is good - but action is the goal.

What gives you hope when it comes to the future of our oceans?

There’s more awareness now, which is encouraging. But I’m wary of the word “hope.” Hope can be dangerous if it makes us wait for someone else to fix things. We have to earn hope by taking action every day. We’re racing against time. The future depends on the choices we make - together and individually - right now. And don’t let the fear that your actions are “too small” stop you. If everyone does something meaningful, those actions add up to real change.

What’s next for you? Are there new waters on the horizon, or a message you feel is most urgent to share now?

Well, Jaws had a few sequels - so watch this space! More swims are coming, more stories to tell. The message stays clear: the ocean needs us, and the time to act is now. 

I’ve also always felt that those of us who use the ocean - swimmers, kayakers, surfers, sailors, divers - we carry a special responsibility tp protect it. We see the changes firsthand. We know what’s at stake. And if we don’t stand up for our oceans, who will?

If you could send one message to world leaders on World Oceans Day, what would it be?

Protecting the planet is the defining issue of our generation. You can’t negotiate with nature. Protecting the ocean isn’t a luxury - it’s a necessity. Please act now.