Lewis Pugh

Lewis Pugh is an extraordinary endurance swimmer and ocean advocate renowned for his commitment to ocean sustainability. With over three decades of pioneering swims in some of the world’s most challenging environments, he has become a highly sought-after speaker on the global stage. His unique experiences, combined with his passion for environmental conservation, allow him to share compelling stories that inspire audiences to take action against climate change. Recognised for his impactful narrative, Lewis’s speaking engagements resonate deeply with corporate and public organisations alike, making him a transformative presence at industry events and climate conferences.

Lewis’s journey began in Plymouth, England, where he was born and raised near the Atlantic Ocean. At the age of ten, his family relocated to South Africa, where he would later study law at the University of Cape Town. His early swimming experiences were limited, with his first lesson occurring at 17. However, he quickly made up for lost time by swimming from Robben Island to Cape Town just a month later, marking the start of his incredible career. His legal background has also been instrumental in his work as a maritime lawyer and in his role as the UN Patron of the Oceans, where he advocates for sustainable policies and practices.

In recent years, Lewis has achieved several notable milestones. He became the first person to swim the length of the English Channel, a gruelling 528 km journey completed in 2018, to raise awareness for protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. Additionally, his historic swim across the North Pole in 2007 highlighted the urgent issue of melting Arctic sea ice, while his recent swim across the Red Sea underscored the importance of coral reef conservation. His efforts have not only garnered media attention but have also led to significant contributions to ocean preservation, including the creation of the largest marine reserve in the world in the Ross Sea off Antarctica.

Lewis Pugh is hired for his remarkable ability to inspire and mobilise audiences towards environmental action. His talks go beyond recounting personal achievements; they emphasise the importance of purpose, resilience, and teamwork in overcoming obstacles. His experiences serve as a powerful metaphor for navigating the challenges organisations face today, making him an invaluable asset for companies like Coca-Cola, Unilever, and Barclays. As a master storyteller, he not only captivates his audience but also encourages them to envision a more sustainable future, embodying the very change he advocates for in his own extraordinary life.