Bad Weather Forces Man To End Swim Across Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE (CBS13) - CBS13 cameras were there as adventure swimmer Jamie Patrick embarked on a journey no man has ever attempted.

Patrick set out to swim 68 miles, non-stop, around Lake Tahoe; but the weather proved too treacherous and he was forced to cut his swim short.

When Patrick kissed his wife and daughter goodbye, he knew this swim wouldn't be easy.

"I'm a little nervous," said Patrick, before the swim.

Putting his nerves aside and his hands in the air, he got in the water for the start of a new adventure.

"I think this first 17 hours will be difficult," said Patrick.

CBS13 cameras captured the first three hours of his swim, at that point, crew members say he was looking good and on target to finish.

However, at about 28 miles and 14 hours in, Mother Nature proved too tough and dangerous for not only Patrick, but also his support crew.

The water got choppy and things were getting dangerous for the support crew as the pontoon boat took on water, and at one point, the kayaks were flipping over.

Patrick made it out safely and is still recovering, but issued the following statement to CBS13:

"Grateful, thankful, appreciative of the incredible support of sponsors, family, crew, and followers. The right decision was made for the safety of my crew and myself. Next up? Time with my wife and daughter. Thank you so much, love to all."

His family and crew is just really in awe of his fight and encouragement.

"I do this to test myself," said Patrick. "I do it to inspire others."

So what's next for the adventure swimmer?

He will be back at something very soon.

At this point, he says he's not sure whether he'll tackle this swim again.