Swimmer's Attempt to Cross Lake Michigan Foiled by Lost Batteries

In a remarkable but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to swim across Lake Michigan, Jim Dreyer, 60, faced significant challenges when he lost two crucial batteries for his GPS device. Dreyer, who began his journey from Grand Haven, Michigan, on Tuesday, was pulled from the water after swimming 60 miles (96 kilometers) on the third day of his expedition. Without a functioning GPS, he was unaware that he had been swimming north instead of west toward Wisconsin. Dreyer expressed his frustration in an online report, stating, “What a blow!” He had anticipated being close to completing his swim, with only 23 miles (37 kilometers) remaining, but instead found himself with 47 miles (75 kilometers) still to go. The swimmer noted that the weather conditions were deteriorating, making the prospect of success increasingly unlikely. Known as "The Shark," Dreyer previously completed a successful crossing of Lake Michigan in 1998. During this latest attempt, he had stopped on the second day to acquire fresh AA batteries for his GPS but accidentally lost the bag in the lake. Left with only a wrist compass and natural navigation, he acknowledged the mistake, saying, “It was an accident, but it was my fault. This is a tough pill to swallow.” As Dreyer reflects on the experience, he emphasizes the importance of preparation and the unpredictable nature of such ambitious endeavors.