UN Swimmer Marks Jaws 50th with Martha's Vineyard Shark Awareness Swim

The 50th anniversary of Steven Spielberg's Jaws, the first major summer blockbuster, is being marked by various events highlighting its lasting impact on cinema and shark awareness. Spielberg's use of a mechanical shark, 'Bruce,' combined with John Williams' iconic two-note score, created a suspenseful atmosphere that still terrifies audiences today, contrasting with modern CGI-heavy shark films. Jeffrey Voorhees, who played Alex Kintner in the film, continues to receive royalties and engage with fans through personal appearances and merchandise. Concurrently, the Shark Trust's Great Shark Snapshot week encourages divers worldwide to contribute data on shark populations, coinciding with Discovery Channel's Shark Week and the film's anniversary. Endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh completed a 12-day swim around Martha's Vineyard, the movie's setting, to raise awareness about shark conservation and their crucial role in marine ecosystems. These commemorations blend cinematic history with ongoing efforts to protect sharks and better understand their populations.