AP PHOTOS: Athlete to attempt first-ever swim around Martha's Vineyard ahead of 'Jaws' anniversary
- Lewis Pugh, a 55-year-old British-South African endurance swimmer, is attempting the first swim around Martha's Vineyard starting in May 2025.
- Pugh plans this swim to challenge public fear of sharks, a fear rooted in the 1975 filming of the movie 'Jaws' at Martha's Vineyard.
- The swim will cover 62 miles in 47-degree water while Pugh wears only trunks, a cap, and goggles, accompanied by safety crews and a Shark Shield device.
- Pugh said the animals were maligned as “villains, as cold-blooded killers” by the film, and he emphasized the need to protect sharks amid commercial fishing threats killing 100 million sharks yearly.
- Pugh will use the swim and subsequent education on Martha's Vineyard to foster respect for sharks and advocate for their protection as ecosystems grow fragile.
226 Articles
226 Articles

'Alpha predator' sharks and humans clash on an Israeli beach
With its golden sand and blue waters, the beach front in central Israel looks much like any other stretch of Mediterranean coast, but a closer look reveals something unusual peeking through the rippling surf: black shark fins.
Athlete tries first-ever swim around Martha’s Vineyard near sharks, raising awareness about the endangered, maligned animals for ‘Jaws’ 50th anniversary
Pugh has followed an unspoken rule during his career as one of the world’s most daring endurance swimmers: Don’t talk about sharks. But he plans to break that this week on a swim around Martha’s Vineyard, where “ Jaws” was filmed 50 years ago.
Why is this athlete attempting historic swim ahead of the ‘Jaws’ 50th anniversary?
Lewis Pugh has followed an unspoken rule during his career as one of the world’s most daring endurance swimmers: Don’t talk about sharks. But he plans to break that this week on a swim around Martha’s Vineyard, where “Jaws” was filmed 50 years ago.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 59% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage