Relay Team Attempts Lake Superior Distance Swim Record to Raise Climate Change Awareness

DULUTH, Minn. — Around sunrise this morning, a team of swimmers along with support boats could be seen on Lake Superior making their way toward Duluth. A small crowd had gathered at Lakewalk Beach in Canal Park to cheer them on and welcome them when they arrived just after 7:30 am.  It was an exciting moment for six swimmers who had just spent nearly 24 hours participating in a relay marathon that started at Split Rock Lighthouse at 8 am yesterday.  The relay team covered the distance of over 45 miles by taking turns swimming 60 minutes at a time.  Craig Collins from Minneapolis said the view coming into Duluth was something to behold.

“Oh, about 10 miles, we could see all where the lights were. You could see the lift bridge right on there, little blink up there. Duluth, the lights, very gorgeous when it’s down here. And the moon was beautiful there,” said Collins.

The purpose of the relay swim is to help raise awareness to the warming of Lake Superior due to climate change. The relay is part of a public television documentary covering the effects of climate change on the big lake. A Sea Change for Lake Superior is scheduled to broadcast later this year.

“We need to make sure to tell people what’s happening. I know a lot of people are telling you this, but some people aren’t really sure. And we need to tell people that, ‘yes. This very climate, it’s moving.’ We need to move something. We can change us. And they need to understand that,” said Collins.

Two support boats, a kayak, and a zodiac accompanied the group of swimmers hoping to set a new distance relay swim record for Lake Superior. Two independent observers were also on hand to ensure compliance of rules set by the international Marathon Swimmers Federation regarding the record.