Swimmer Jim Dreyer Stops Attempt to Cross Lake Michigan

— Jim Dreyer, a 60-year-old swimmer known for his remarkable 1998 crossing of Lake Michigan, has seemingly halted his latest attempt to replicate that feat. After embarking on a challenging swim from Grand Haven, Michigan, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Tuesday, Dreyer was tracked returning to shore by boat on Thursday, just two days into the journey. Dreyer, who has earned the nickname "The Shark," was aiming to cover over 80 miles (128.7 kilometers) across the lake. However, the U.S. Coast Guard, along with local law enforcement and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, reported uncertainty regarding his decision to abandon the swim. Attempts to reach Dreyer for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to messages from The Associated Press. Supporters of Dreyer took to social media, confirming that he was out of the water and in good physical condition. This latest attempt marked his third effort to swim across Lake Michigan in 2023, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of his original crossing. Unfortunately, both previous attempts this year were thwarted by unpredictable weather and challenging water conditions. Dreyer's 1998 swim remains a significant achievement, taking nearly 41 hours to complete the journey from Two Rivers, Wisconsin, to Ludington State Park in Michigan. His recent endeavors highlight both the physical challenges of long-distance swimming and the unpredictable nature of open water conditions.