The Ocean Refuses No River
Hudson River Swim 2023 Announced
“If we want healthy oceans we also need healthy rivers — it’s that simple.”
– Lewis Pugh
In August 2023, Lewis will swim 315 miles (507 km) down the Hudson River, from its source to its end at New York City. He will do this to highlight the critical role rivers play in a habitable planet.
Lewis will start his swim at the Hudson’s source in Lake Tear of the Clouds, high in the wild Adirondack Mountains on the flank of Mt Marcy, and finish where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean in New York City.
Lewis expects that the swim will take four weeks to complete. Along the route, he will explore the interconnectedness of rivers and oceans, and stress the urgent need to restore, protect and respect them.
And he will be engaging with river users, not just on the Hudson River, but along other major rivers around the world, through linked events.
The end of the swim will coincide with the UN General Assembly Week, Climate Week NYC 2023, and the UN Secretary General’s Climate Ambition Summit.
“Clean rivers are essential in the fight for global sustainability; indeed, our very existence depends on fresh water, clean air, and a habitable planet,” says Lewis.
“The good news is that rivers are accessible to most people, and we know what it takes to get them healthy. I specifically chose the Hudson for this swim because of the environmental progress that’s been made on the iconic waterway in recent years. Much work is still required, but tangible improvements have been made, setting an example for restoring rivers around the world.”
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19 July
Campaign launch
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10 August
Press event - New York City
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13 August
Expedition start - Lake Tear of the Clouds
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13 September
Expedition finish - Battery Park, Manhattan
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13 - 17 September
Post swim media engagements
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18 - 24 September
UN General Assembly Week and Climate Week NYC 2023
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20 September
UN Secretary General’s Climate Ambition Summit
