x
Breaking News
More () »

HS teacher swimming 160 miles through gators and storms in the St. Johns River

He's doing it to raise awareness about the importance of the river system and why we should protect it from pollution and overdevelopment, he said.

Gators and storms are no deterrent for a high school physics teacher on a mission to swim 160 miles through the St. John's River.

Luther Davis teaches at Lake Mary High School just north of Orlando. He jumped into the water in his backyard planning to trace the path of a raindrop as it flows through the river system and out into the ocean.

He's doing it to raise awareness about the importance of the river system and why we should protect it from pollution and overdevelopment, he said.

"Not only is it an environmental treasure in terms of wildlife in the ecosystem, but it's a vital role for water sourcing obviously tourism from the boaters and everything," Davis told First Coast News while treading water. "It has a giant impact on Florida in terms of what a provides for the local communities in the river basin as a whole."

He's not doing it alone. He has friends and family following in boats making sure he's safe.

While spotters search for dangerous animals, others make his meals and drinks and make sure he rests.

They're also keeping an eye on the skies as the threat of thunderstorms loomed overhead.

"We were a little bit worried about the weather that just came through," Davis said.

After a short break, he continued on his journey.

"I think it's going to be something that he'll remember his entire life and will be happy that he accomplished it," said his daughter Abigail, 13.

Davis said he's proud to inspire friends and family, but he also hopes to reach the kids in his classroom, because future generations are the key to protecting this waterway.

"Part of the reason I do this is I'm also trying to inspire my students," Davis said. "Maybe they can inspire others. Maybe even myself."

Davis said he swims just over two miles an hour. If he manages to swim 10 hours a day he should finish his journey in eight days.

You can track his progress in real time here and donate to his efforts by clicking here.

Before You Leave, Check This Out