The Shark Returns: Jim Dreyer’s Second Attempt At Lake Michigan Swim

It takes a special kind of person to attempt to do something multiple times after they've already accomplished it. But, then again it also takes a special kind of person to attempt to swim across Lake Michigan all by themselves, too.

For the second time in a month, marathon swimmer Jim "The Shark" Dreyer is taking on the challenge of crossing Lake Michigan solo. The Shark took to Lake Michigan for his latest attempt from Grand Haven City Beach at 6 p.m. on Labor Day (Monday, September 2nd, and he's aiming to reach Milwaukee within 72 hours. This daring endeavor comes after a previous attempt in early August ended prematurely when his GPS lost power, causing him to swim off course for hours.

Dreyer, known for his extreme endurance feats, has completed a Lake Michigan crossing before. In 1998, he successfully swam from Two Rivers, Wisconsin, to Ludington, Michigan. However, since that achievement, his subsequent attempts have ended in disappointment. Now, with renewed determination, Dreyer hopes to conquer the 82.9-mile journey across the lake.

Adding to the challenge, Dreyer is hauling over 200 pounds of supplies and navigating the entire route on his own. This swim is not just a test of physical and mental endurance, but also a fundraising effort for the U.S. Coast Guard’s Chief Petty Officers Association.

How can you follow his journey?

Fans and supporters can track Dreyer's progress on his website. His GPS pings every 10 minutes, so you can watch him in nearly real time. As he battles the unpredictable waters of Lake Michigan, many will be watching to see if this latest attempt will finally bring him the success he has been chasing for years.