SwimTrek and the Lewis Pugh Foundation
At SwimTrek, we believe that swimming isn’t just a way to explore the world. It’s a way to protect it.
That’s why we’re proud to partner with the Lewis Pugh Foundation, an organisation dedicated to preserving and restoring our oceans through the power of endurance swimming, diplomacy, and storytelling. Together, we're making waves for marine conservation, one swim at a time.
About Lewis Pugh and his foundation
Lewis Pugh is a renowned endurance swimmer and ocean advocate, and a long-time friend of SwimTrek founder Simon Murie. In 2013, he was appointed UNEP Patron of the Oceans. Lewis uses his swims to campaign for the protection of the world’s most fragile ecosystems.
His swims are more than record-breaking feats – they’re acts of environmental diplomacy that have directly influenced the creation of marine protected areas around the globe.
Notable achievements include:
- First person to complete a long-distance swim in every ocean of the world.
- First swim across the North Pole to highlight the melting Arctic sea ice.
- First swim along the length of the English Channel to call for 30% of the world’s oceans to be protected.
- First swim across the Red Sea to highlight the impact of the climate crisis on coral.
Lewis doesn’t just swim in nature – he swims for it.
Through the work of the Lewis Pugh Foundation, over 3.5 million km² of ocean has been safeguarded, an area larger than Western Europe.
Founded in 2015, the Lewis Pugh Foundation works to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. Through pioneering swims, strategic partnerships, and global advocacy, the Foundation brings urgent attention to the state of our seas and the communities that depend on them.
Every stroke Lewis takes in the water is matched by a strategic push for change on land – from policy influence to global media engagement.
Learn more at lewispughfoundation.org
Why this partnership matters
SwimTrek has always championed a deeper connection between swimmers and the natural world. As a certified B Corp and proud member of 1% for the Planet, we’re committed to sustainable travel, responsible tourism, and protecting the wild waters we love to swim in.
Partnering with the Lewis Pugh Foundation allows us to:
- Support global ocean conservation efforts
- Raise awareness of ocean conservation among our community of adventurous swimmers
- Promote sustainable swimming holidays that give back to the environments we visit
- Inspire action through shared storytelling, campaigns, and events
This partnership is rooted in shared love for the oceans, and protecting these waters and the varied life they contain.
What’s next?
As part of this partnership, SwimTrek, Lewis Pugh and the Lewis Pugh Foundation will be joining efforts and taking part in various activities, including:
- Co-branded events focused on ocean health and advocacy.
- Fundraising initiatives to support the Foundation’s vital work, including a global swimming challenge.
- Educational content to help our guests become ambassadors for the oceans they swim in.
Read more about the partnership launch on our blog.