Swim Across Lake Michigan
The Strait of Mackinac is the official point to begin and end your swim when crossing Lake Michigan. Previously there have been only nine people to successfully make it across the vast body of water. This grueling journey through the largest body of water encompassing the Great Lakes is one that requires a mix of physical and mental strength. This article will explore the heroic journey of those nine individuals who have completed the swim and aspects to consider if attempting the same feat.
The Story So Far
The recognition of the nine people who have managed to reach the other side of the lake began in 1932 with the career Marine, Major Lewis Lee Hanson. His solo swim of 24 miles (38 kilometers) took him nearly 17 hours to complete. His championship rose in some form of an anti-climax as the ensuing decades saw very few people attempt the voyage, let alone make an attempt to cross the lake until 2009. On 6th August 2009, a man from Chicago named Dave Armstrong, who descended from his great-grandfather made the successful swim to proudly be the first in almost 80 years to accomplish the feat.
Since then, more individuals have made the draining accomplishment under different circumstances and the deserving recognition is added to the list. These persons range from young to old, experienced swimmers for the experienced, and multiple swimmers with adaptive disabilities. Those who have made the successful swim include:
1. Dave Armstrong (2009)
2. Adam Walker (2010)
3. Cameron Bellamy (2015)
4. Ross Matlock (2016)
5. Sarah Thomas (2017)
6. Dan Berlin (2018)
7. Trudy Walters (2018)
8. Evan Morrison (2020)
9. Krista Romak (2020)
Requirements For the Voyage
To ensure safety and minimize crowding within the challenges faced in swimming Lake Michigan, the organizers of the swim have established a set of rules, restrictions, and requirements for swimmers and swimmers’ support teams, whomever that may be. Before attempting the swim, swimmers are expected to attend an orientation workshop, learn about the water and the possible risks, and to discuss the swim plan and estimated timeframe and plan for contingencies.
Swimmers are approved and only allowed to attempt the swim after their application is approved. They will only be allowed to make the attempt as long as they also pay a fee and submit a signed agreement. Weather and lake conditions also have to be favorable; swimmers should wait until the lake has achieved an optimal temperature range, 18.3–21.1°C (65–70°F). Furthermore, swimmers have to have all proper safety gear, and the support teams must be present with them during the swim.
The crossing of Lake Michigan offers excellent experiences, however, it is one of the most challenging swims within the Great Lakes. As such, the applicants must meet various criteria to be approved. To be eligible for the swim, the swimmer must be 18 years of age or older, must have at least six months of a training program swimming eight hours a week. Competitors must also pass two grueling qualifying swims. In the first, swimmers must complete 10 miles (16 kilometers) and in the second, complete a 6-hour nonstop swim.
Dangers
Crossing Lake Michigan comes with its dangers and risks, and this is why the required safety checks are absolutely necessary. The shoreline of the lake includes some of the most beautiful beaches and coastline, however, they are also dangerous. Swimmers must also contend with the choppy water and strong currents. Additionally, predators such as sharks can be found here; though rare, and they have been recorded in the past.
Hypothermia is always a risk in colder waters, while strong winds can create difficult swimming conditions. Besides, the pressure of choppy waters and the fatigue of swimming thousands of meters can cause swimmers to miss their mark and head off in the wrong direction. All of this the swimmers have to contend with, and the distance is some added strain on the body.
Safety Teams
Safety teams provide invaluable assistance to swimmers on their Lake Michigan crossing. They help in navigation, administering food, and fuel supplies, and helping the swimmer cope with tiredness, cold and other interruptions. During their service, safety teams may consist of kayakers, boat crew members and other support personnel, who ensure that the swimmer is provided with adequate nutrition, hydration, and medical attention if needed.
Swimmers of Lake Michigan crossing rely on their support teams, who track the swimmer’s progress and deliver supplies during the swim. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of the swimmer by providing assistance and support when needed. This includes providing guidance with navigating and swimming against strong currents, providing necessary fuel supplies, medicine, and entertaining the swimmer to stay physically and mentally motivated.
Tracking Progress
Data from satellite tracking devices are used by safety teams to track and monitor the swimmer’s progress throughout their journey. This technology allows for quick analysis of the swimmer’s performance, and makes adjustments in the swim plan if needed. By allowing teams to regularly check on swimmers during their journey, they can provide assistance when needed and alert emergency services if essential.
Aside from gathering progress data and monitoring the swimmer’s health, satellite tracking devices also use global positioning system (GPS) technology to map the swimmer’s progress. This helps in providing precise course corrections if needed, to make sure the swimmer is on course to successfully reach the other side of the Lake.
Celebrations
Reaching the opposite shore of Lake Michigan is a major achievement for a swimmer, and is often celebrated with a victory parade and recognition in the local media. After a few hours of rest and hydration, swim team members and supporters join in the celebration to offer congratulations and well-wishes to the swimmer. Photographers and local news photographers also flock to take photos, as the swimmer proudly holds the shore sign that marks the successful conclusion of their journey.
Preparation
When attempting the Lake Michigan crossing, preparation is key. Proper training and adapting to the lake conditions are essential in order to increase the chances of success. Training properly and thoroughly planning the swim, the duration, and the requirements before attempting the swim should be considered. Even with the most stringent preparation plans and safety protocols, swimmers are essentially on their own with this lengthy swim, and the only way to cross is to stay focused and finish.
Compensable Challenges
Swimming across Lake Michigan is a daunting experience and comes with a lot of potential risks. Furthermore, it comes with lots of usable physical and mental challenges. These tournaments allow swimmers to apply and learn a few techniques and strategies of the sport, develop better training techniques, and get more motivation and confidence from the risks taken. Experienced swimmers such as those who have completed the swim have been known pass on the knowledge and expertise of these techniques and strategies to new swimmers interested in taking on the challenge.
Money Matters
In order to successfully swim across Lake Michigan, swimmers must accept some financial responsibilities along the way. Swimmers must pay for the costs of training and equipment, plus additional support services. These can include medical evaluations, protective gear and swimsuits, GPS tracking devices and satellite phones. Owners of boats and kayaks used as support teams also have to be compensated for the use of their vessel. All costs add up, and to successfully cross the lake, the swimmer must understand and be able to cover these expenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, crossing Lake Michigan is a challenge and a goal that can only be accomplished by a select few. Swimmers must take responsibility and exercise caution when preparing for the journey across the lake. This is alongside the extra costs that have to be made to cover expenses such as medical evaluations, protective gear, and support services for the swimmer. All of this, combined with the physical and mental strength needed, has resulted in only nine known successful swims across the lake.
