Over the months of August and September 2023, Lewis swam the  315-mile (507-km) length of the Hudson River, from its source in the Adirondack mountains to its end at New York City. 

The Hudson River Swim was an epic journey, during which  we explored the interconnectedness of rivers and oceans, and stressed the urgent need to restore, protect and respect them. We highlighted how New Yorkers had cleaned and restored their river, engaged with river users along the Hudson, and linked to other major rivers around the world. 

At the end of the swim, Lewis presented a letter to the United Nations at the UN General Assembly meeting in Manhattan. The letter called on them to support efforts to protect and restore rivers around the world.

Many of the people we connected through the Hudson Swim became our River Warriors, who continue to inspire us with their work.  

LPF continues to engage with rivers and river users around the world, and upcoming swims will have a particular focus on rivers in the Global South.