I’m Kelley McShane,
& I’m going to swim to

6 continents.

The McShane Intercontinental Swim Series

The McShane Intercontinental Swim Series (MISS) is a first-of-its-kind, international open-water challenge that connects six continents through seven iconic swims.

Touching 10 countries, the series is not just about physical crossings—it’s about crossing emotional, cultural, and social boundaries too.

MISS is designed to push the limits of human endurance, raise visibility around issues that impact global communities, and spark important conversations in every time zone.

Person swimming in the ocean at sunset, wearing a swim cap

THIS ISN'T JUST A SWIM, IT'S A STATEMENT.

THIS ISN'T JUST A SWIM, IT'S A STATEMENT.

MISS is no easy feat. These swims cross geopolitical fault lines, shark-populated waters, freezing straits, and fast-moving shipping lanes.

Every crossing is a test of both mental resilience and physical strength.

This isn’t just a swim. It’s a statement.

Each swim is paired with a local nonprofit or grassroots organization in the region, amplifying critical issues such as sea-level rise, deforestation, and women’s rights. By grounding each swim to a specific place and cause, the Series transforms endurance into advocacy—connecting communities, elevating local voices, and raising awareness of issues that affect us all.

The Mission:

To spark global awareness and meaningful dialogue around humanitarian and environmental issues through a transformative international swim series.

MISS invites the world to see open water not just as a challenge—but as a connector. Waterways connect the world and each route offers a moment to reflect, to engage, and to speak up for the well-being of people and communities everywhere. This series is bold, challenging, and fun! I invite everyone to join along through social media, email, and/or to jump in the water with me!

A flag with a red top half and a white bottom half.
Image of the Russian flag with three horizontal stripes: white on top, blue in the middle, and red on the bottom.
A graphic design with four quadrants: top left shows the Texas state flag with a blue star, top right is a red rectangle, bottom left is a blue rectangle, and bottom right features a red star on a white background.
Norwegian flag with a blue background, red cross, and white borders.
The flag of Ireland with three vertical stripes of green, white, and orange.
Australian flag with blue background, Union Jack in the top left corner, and six white stars including a large seven-pointed star and five smaller stars.

The Swims

7 Unique Routes. 6 Continents. 10 Countries.
These waters will serve as the backdrop for a bold conversation about resilience, connection, and the power of the human spirit.

  • This route runs from North America to Asia from USA to Russia, a total of 4.3 km.

  • This route runs from Europe to Africa from Spain to Morocco, a total of 14.4 km.

  • This route runs from North America to Europe in Iceland, a total of 0.003 km.

  • This route runs from Europe to Asia in Istanbul, Turkey, a total of 6 km.

  • This route runs from Asia to Africa in Egypt, a total between 0.6 - 2.4 km, depending on location.

  • This route runs from North America to South America in Panama, a total between 0.6 - 3.2 km, depending on location.

  • This route runs from Asia to Australia from Indonesia to Australia, a total of 20 km.

The flag of Iceland with a blue background, red cross, and white borders.
Flag of Spain with red, yellow, and red horizontal stripes.
The flag of Turkey, featuring a red background with a white star and crescent moon.
Flag of Morocco with a red background and a green pentagram star in the center.
American flag with stars and stripes.
A flag divided into four quadrants: top left white with a blue star, top right red, bottom left blue, bottom right white with a red star.

Timeline coming soon.

About me

A woman smiling while holding a medal and wearing an orange sports shirt with a badge that reads 'Samsung BOGAZICI BOSPHORUS 2022'. She has a white neck gaiter with logos, and appears to be at an outdoor event with trees and sky in the background.

I’m Kelley McShane—a proud Rhode Islander, passionate open-water swimmer, and the force behind the McShane Intercontinental Swim Series. I’m not just here to swim for records—I’m here to make waves that matter.

With every mile I swim between continents, I will be calling attention to humanitarian and environmental challenges unique to each region.

I’ll be taking on some of the world’s toughest intercontinental crossings in pursuit of a Guinness World Record, but this is about more than endurance. It’s about purpose, connection, and initiating conversations that move us all forward.

Want to follow the mission, sponsor a crossing, or help amplify the message?

📧 kelley@jgmcshane.com
📞 +1 562.774.7929