Grand Haven, MI — Jim “The Shark” Dreyer, the ultra-marathon swimmer known for his daring endurance feats across the Great Lakes, has turned around on his latest attempt to swim across Lake Michigan. Dreyer, who began his solo, self-sufficient journey on August 6, 2024, was forced to abandon the effort due to worsening conditions on the lake.
Dreyer planned to swim approximately 82.9 miles from McKinley Beach in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to City Beach in Grand Haven, Michigan, towing over 200 pounds of supplies and navigating the treacherous waters entirely on his own. However, the journey was cut short as challenging weather conditions made it unsafe to continue.
This was not Dreyer’s first attempt to conquer Lake Michigan. He had previously attempted similar swims, facing significant challenges each time. Last year, Dreyer was pulled from the water after 27 miles when 8-foot waves destroyed his supply dinghy. Despite these setbacks, Dreyer remains undeterred, emphasizing his commitment to pushing the limits of human endurance.
Dreyer, who earned his nickname “The Shark” through record-breaking swims across all five Great Lakes, is no stranger to adversity. Over his career, he has completed numerous extreme endurance events, often combining long-distance swimming with marathon running and cycling. His “self-sufficient” approach—carrying all his supplies and managing his navigation—has set him apart in the world of open-water swimming.
Despite the disappointment of his latest attempt, Dreyer has already set his sights on future challenges. Next year, he plans to direct the Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the ship’s tragic sinking. While this latest swim did not go as planned, Dreyer’s resilience and determination continue to inspire.
“Anyone who knows me expects that I will not walk away from a goal before it is accomplished,” Dreyer said before embarking on his latest challenge. Although this attempt has been paused, it’s clear that Dreyer’s journey is far from over.
