Swimming marathon enthusiast shares goals to safeguard U.S. water bodies in interview with David Muir
## Swimming for a Cause: Rachael DeWitt's 16-Mile Marathon Across Skaneateles Lake
Rachael DeWitt, an environmental advocate and long-distance swimmer, made headlines in July 2025 by completing a 16-mile marathon swim across Skaneateles Lake in Central New York. The swim, which took her 9 hours and 17 minutes to complete, was more than just a personal athletic achievement – it was a public campaign to raise awareness for the protection of Skaneateles Lake, a critical source of drinking water for the region.
### A Lifelong Dream Realized
DeWitt, who grew up near Skaneateles Lake in upstate New York, has had a passion for swimming since she was a child. As a member of the high school varsity swim team, she honed her skills and developed a dream: to swim the entire length of Skaneateles Lake. After years of preparation and training, she finally had the opportunity to make that dream a reality.
### A Team Effort
DeWitt's swim was supported by a team of kayakers, including her mother, Terry, and a group of unspecified individuals. Her father, Bob, followed her progress closely, providing emotional support and encouragement. During her swim, she stopped every 30 minutes for water and energy bars to maintain her energy levels.
### Inspiring Community Engagement
As DeWitt swam, she passed by a kids summer camp, where hundreds of children cheered her on. This outpouring of community support was a testament to DeWitt's ability to inspire and engage her community in the cause of environmental conservation.
### A Commitment to Conservation
DeWitt's swim was not just a one-time event. She has a background in environmental science and marine biodiversity, and she served as the executive director of the Skaneateles Lake Association as a teen. Her mission is to advocate for the protection and preservation of lakes and oceans in the United States, specifically supporting the Skaneateles Lake Association.
After her swim, DeWitt joined the non-profit Ocean Conservancy, where she continues to promote lake and ocean conservation on a broader scale. She has been featured in national media, including an interview with David Muir on ABC News, where she discussed her goal to protect America’s lakes and oceans and the importance of community involvement in conservation.
### A Call to Action
DeWitt's swim across Skaneateles Lake serves as a powerful example of the connection between individual action and environmental stewardship. By using her personal challenge as a platform for environmental education and advocacy, she has bridged the gap between local action and global conservation goals. Her work demonstrates a commitment to inspiring others to take action in the name of water quality and conservation.
- Rachael DeWitt's feat didn't only make world news as a remarkable sports achievement, but also as a significant step in the lifestyle category, hoping to influence home-and-garden practices that safeguard water sources like Skaneateles Lake.
- Beyond just science, Rachael DeWitt's initiatives stretch to the realms of environment and local news, demonstrating how individual actions can drive global conservation efforts in the world of sports and beyond.
- As a passionate environmental advocate, Rachael DeWitt's commitment to preserving lakes and oceans has extended beyond her successful 16-mile swim, reaching the spheres of environmental science and policy, thus promoting a greener world news landscape.
