Lewis Pugh is an endurance swimmer, maritime lawyer, and the UN Patron of the Oceans, renowned for pioneering swims in the most vulnerable ecosystems on Earth to advocate for their protection. He is the first person to complete long-distance swims in every ocean of the world, and has swum across the North Pole and the length of the English Channel. His recent swim across the Hudson River to New York highlighted the importance of clean rivers.
Lewis has played a significant role in protecting over 2 million km² of vulnerable ocean—an area larger than Western Europe. His ambitious goal is to fully protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. In his speeches, Lewis shares the strategies he employs, including having a clear vision, the right mindset, selecting a high-performance team, meticulous preparation, unwavering determination, and the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances. TED has described him as a “master storyteller.”
Lewis has received numerous accolades for his efforts. He was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, chosen as one of National Geographic’s Adventurers of the Year, and awarded South Africa’s highest honor, the Order of Ikhamanga (Gold Class). He studied law at the University of Cambridge.
Lewis Pugh is an endurance swimmer, maritime lawyer, and the UN Patron of the Oceans, renowned for pioneering swims in the most vulnerable ecosystems on Earth to advocate for their protection. He is the first person to complete long-distance swims in every ocean of the world, and has swum across the North Pole and the length of the English Channel. His recent swim across the Hudson River to New York highlighted the importance of clean rivers.
Lewis has played a significant role in protecting over 2 million km² of vulnerable ocean—an area larger than Western Europe. His ambitious goal is to fully protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. In his speeches, Lewis shares the strategies he employs, including having a clear vision, the right mindset, selecting a high-performance team, meticulous preparation, unwavering determination, and the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances. TED has described him as a “master storyteller.”
Lewis has received numerous accolades for his efforts. He was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, chosen as one of National Geographic’s Adventurers of the Year, and awarded South Africa’s highest honor, the Order of Ikhamanga (Gold Class). He studied law at the University of Cambridge.
