Lewis Pugh, the United Nations Patron of the Oceans and a world-renowned endurance swimmer, is a transformative figure whose daring feats and environmental advocacy make him an unparalleled choice for international conferences.
Known as the "Sir Edmund Hillary of swimming," Pugh has achieved historic firsts, including being the first person to complete a long-distance swim in every ocean. His swims in extreme environments, from the icy waters of the Arctic to the Antarctic ice sheets, showcase his extraordinary resilience and commitment to raising awareness about climate change and ocean conservation. With a commanding presence and vivid storytelling, Pugh inspires audiences to tackle challenges with courage, vision, and purpose.
Pugh’s remarkable achievements include pioneering swims that push the boundaries of human endurance. In 2007, he became the first person to swim across the North Pole, highlighting the rapid melting of Arctic sea ice. In 2010, he swam across a glacial lake on Mount Everest at 5,200 meters, drawing global attention to melting Himalayan glaciers and their impact on water security. His 2018 swim along the entire 528km length of the English Channel—the first of its kind—called for 30% of the world’s oceans to be protected by 2030, influencing over 120 nations to commit to this goal. These feats, combined with his role in establishing the largest marine protected area in the Ross Sea, demonstrate his ability to drive tangible environmental change.
In 2023, Pugh completed a monumental 520km swim down the Hudson River, from its source in the Adirondack Mountains to New York City, to spotlight the critical link between healthy rivers and oceans. This month-long, swim, showcased the Hudson’s recovery from severe pollution and inspired global efforts to restore waterways. Pugh’s journey, which concluded at Battery Park during UN General Assembly Week, underscored his message that “if we want healthy oceans, we need healthy rivers,” earning widespread media coverage and resonating with audiences worldwide.
In May 2025, Pugh undertook one of his toughest challenges yet: a 94km swim around Martha’s Vineyard – the island were Jaws was filmed -, timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Jaws.the movie’s release. Known as “The Shark Swim,” this 12-day endeavor aimed to shift public perceptions of sharks, which are killed at a rate of 274,000 per day, threatening ocean ecosystems. Despite battling cold, storms, and the psychological challenge of swimming in shark migration season, Pugh completed the swim to advocate for shark conservation and stronger marine protected areas.
As a keynote speaker, Lewis Pugh brings his gripping stories of survival and advocacy to life, offering actionable insights on leadership, teamwork, and resilience. His talks, blend humor, humility, and a call to action, making complex environmental issues accessible and urgent. Having addressed world leaders at the UN and inspired corporate audiences globally, Pugh’s ability to
