Congratulations to Mr. Steve Leitch!

Swim date: 20th June 2025

Age: 51

Nationality: USA (Originally from Scotland)

Country of Residence: USA

Swim Duration: 10hours 4minutes

Swim Start Time: 03:55

Swim Finish Time: 13:59

Swim Distance: approximately 36km

Swimming Style: Free style

Water Temperature: 14.6℃ – 19.2℃

Air Temperature: 20.2℃ – 25.4℃

Relative Humidity: 65％ – 81％

Wave Height: 0.5m

Wind Speed: 0m – 2.0m

Stroke Rate Per 60 seconds: 53 – 57

Visibility: 0.5nm – 5nm

Swimmer’s comment
The Tsugaru Strait Swim in Japan was the culmination of two years of planning, prayer, and perseverance. It began with a single email to fellow Scot and Oceans Seven finisher Andy Donaldson, who connected me with Ishii-san, a 20-year swim observer in Japan. Despite administrative changes and uncertainty around future crossings, God opened every door, and I was accepted to swim the June 2025 tide.

Upon arrival in Japan, everything came together seamlessly. Our team: Kelly, Mallory, Herschel, and Maya were welcomed warmly by the Nakadomari administration and NHK Broadcasting, who filmed the entire event. Kelly’s flawless preparation allowed me to focus solely on the mission: swimming for Rising Tides Ministry, to bring hope and awareness to men rebuilding their lives after addiction and recovery.

At 4:00 a.m. on June 20, I dove into the dark, cold water of the Tsugaru Strait beside fellow swimmer Eduardo, who was completing his Oceans Seven. The first hours were smooth still waters, gentle dawn light, and a deep sense that Jesus was with me. Around the six-hour mark, I felt an unsettling presence in the water, as though something was watching me, but prayer and focus carried me through.

When the final stretch arrived, dense fog rolled in, visibility vanished, and the current pushed me off course. For nearly three hours, I swam blind, exhausted, and freezing, until Herschel appeared in a kayak to guide me to shore. With numb legs and full heart, I finally stood on Hokkaido, finishing in 10 hours and 4 minutes.

This swim was more than endurance it was worship. Every stroke was for those still in the struggle, a declaration that hope floats, and Jesus still saves.

Observer’s comment
At the preliminary meeting on 17 June, I was struck by how close and supportive Mr. Leitch’s family seemed. Although he looked a little nervous at first, their determination was clear as we departed. This was the very first Tsugaru Strait Cross Swim attempt, and with an NHK film crew on board, there was a real sense of anticipation in the air.
The sea stayed calm for most of the swim, and the weather was kind to us. The first half went smoothly — for a while, it even seemed he might finish with ease. But after the halfway point, a thick fog rolled in, and in the area where the current was strongest, his progress slowed to a crawl. There were tense moments, yet he stayed calm and responded cheerfully to the team’s encouragement. Watching him persevere and finally reach the finish was deeply moving. After the swim, Mr. Leitch was clearly shivering from the cold, but thanks to the team’s care, he soon recovered and looked lively again by the time we returned to the harbour. I had worried I might get seasick, but instead, I found myself enjoying the experience — and the stunning scenery of the Tsugaru Strait. It was an unforgettable day, and I’m grateful to have witnessed such a remarkable challenge. I look forward to seeing more incredible swims in the future. Congratulations once again, Mr. Leitch!
Observer: Mitsunori Sugawara