Man From Holland, MI, To Swim Across Lake Michigan For Good Cause

A man from Holland who has already swum across the English Channel will soon attempt swimming across Lake Michigan for a good cause.

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First Man to Swim Across Lake Michigan

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Many swimmers had previously tried to swim across Lake Michigan. In the late 1950s, a man named Joe Griffiths attempted the swim 4 times but was unsuccessful and eventually vowed he would never talk about crossing the lake again.

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It wasn't until 1961 that Ted Erikson was the first man to swim across Lake Michigan. Erikson swam from McCormick Place in Chicago to Michigan City, Indiana. It took Erikson 36 hours and 37 minutes to complete the swim.

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Erikson made the swim on August 22, 1961, and 62 years later he is still swimming at the age of 93.

Holland Man Will Attempt Swimming Across Lake Michigan for a Good Cause

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His name is Bryan Huffman and he is currently training to make the swim across Lake Michigan.

WOOD TV8 YouTube Channel

Huffman is no stranger to a long swim as he tackled the mighty English Channel a year ago completing 21 miles.

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Huffman plans to dive in Lake Michigan at Rawley Point Lighthouse near Manitowoc, Wisconsin. His goal is to climb a shore at Big Sable Point Lighthouse near Ludington, Michigan. The 51-mile swim will take around a day and a half to complete weather permitting.

Why is Bryan Huffman Swimming Across Lake Michigan?

According to WOOD, Huffman says he is trying to raise money to pay for swim lessons for kids so they know how to swim and be safe in the water.

LOOK: Lake Michigan Beach Named One of the Best 'Secret' Beaches in U.S.

Northern Michigan's South Manitou Island has been named among the best 20 "secret" beaches in the U.S. by Southern Living Magazine.

Within Sleeping Bear Dune's National Lakeshore, South and North Manitou Island are part of an island chain in Lake Michigan that extends north to the Straits of Mackinac.

According to the National Park Service, "The island consists of a ridge of tilted layers of limestone, buried under a blanket of glacial debris. It features unique sand dune formations, 10 miles of beaches, and a grove of old growth white cedars that date back over 500 years."