About The BIG SWIM
An extraordinary 48-hour journey around Tobago for ocean conservation and water safety

Meet John Procope
John Procope is a passionate ocean advocate, endurance swimmer, and environmental educator from Trinidad and Tobago. With over 15 years of open water swimming experience, John has dedicated his life to protecting Caribbean marine ecosystems.
His journey began as a young swimmer fascinated by the ocean's beauty and power. Over the years, he witnessed firsthand the impact of pollution, climate change, and lack of water safety education on coastal communities.
"The BIG SWIM Strikes Back" represents John's commitment to creating lasting change. By combining athletic endurance with environmental advocacy, he aims to inspire a new generation of ocean protectors and water safety champions.
Contact John

The Challenge
A 100 km circumnavigation of Tobago in 48 hours
The Route
Starting from Store Bay, John will swim clockwise around the entire island, navigating open ocean waters, currents, and varying conditions.
The Timeline
The swim should not take longer than 48 hours of continuous swimming, with brief nutrition breaks every 30 minutes. Support boats will accompany throughout.
The Goal
Raise awareness and funds for ocean conservation and water safety education while demonstrating the power of human determination.
Why This Matters
The Caribbean Sea is home to some of the world's most diverse marine ecosystems, but these precious waters face unprecedented threats from pollution, overfishing, and climate change. At the same time, drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death in Trinidad and Tobago, particularly among children.
"The BIG SWIM Strikes Back" addresses both challenges by raising funds and awareness for organizations working on the front lines of ocean conservation and water safety education. Every stroke John takes represents a commitment to protecting our oceans and ensuring that future generations can safely enjoy and protect these vital ecosystems.
"We cannot protect what we do not love, and we cannot love what we do not know."
Join the Journey
Be part of this historic swim and help create waves of change for ocean conservation