Jim Dreyer, an ultra swimmer, is making another attempt to cross Lake Michigan from Michigan to Wisconsin. This comes just weeks after a GPS malfunction forced him to stop after 60 miles (96 kilometers).
Dreyer, 61, embarked on his journey from Grand Haven on Monday evening, aiming to reach Milwaukee. The swim spans at least 80 miles (128 kilometers) and is expected to take over 72 hours without sleep. He is towing a small inflatable boat filled with supplies.
He announced his departure on Facebook, saying, “Sorry for the last-minute notice, but chaos is often part of this open water swimming game.” He also shared a link to the 1987 Whitesnake song “Here I Go Again.” His progress is trackable online.
Jim Dreyer said he would set off early Monday evening in Grand Haven. He said the journey to Milwaukee would cover at least 80 miles in the water and last 72 hours or more.
https://t.co/5zK7ERRDLn
— WJMN Local 3 (@WJMN_Local3) September 2, 2024
Dreyer, known as The Shark, first crossed Lake Michigan in 1998, starting in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, and finishing in Ludington, Michigan. Since 2023, he has made three unsuccessful attempts to repeat the feat.
His latest attempt began on Aug. 6. The following day, he paused to replace AA batteries in his GPS device, but lost the bag containing them in the lake. With only a compass and natural cues, he inadvertently swam north instead of west, wasting time and adding distance. As risky weather approached, his support crew pulled him out of the water on Aug. 8.
“What a blow!” Dreyer remarked.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Gazettextra reports that Jim Dreyer, known as “The Shark,” will attempt to cross Lake Michigan again, having faced challenges with GPS devices and weather conditions in previous attempts.(read more)
- The Washington Post reports on Jim Dreyer’s attempt to cross Lake Michigan, his third since 2023, after a GPS failure halted his previous attempt.(read more)
- HuffPost: Jim Dreyer, known as The Shark, will attempt to cross Lake Michigan again, pulling a small boat with supplies, after previous GPS issues caused his last attempt to be abandoned.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is attempting to swim across Lake Michigan?
Jim Dreyer, an ultra swimmer.
Why did Jim Dreyer’s previous attempt fail?
A GPS device issue forced him to give up after 60 miles.
How long is Dreyer’s swim from Michigan to Wisconsin expected to take?
At least 72 hours without sleep.
What additional challenge is Dreyer facing during his swim?
He is towing a small inflatable boat with supplies.
How can people follow Dreyer’s progress?
His progress can be tracked online.