Strong currents and exhaustion stopped Jeff and Sara Tow short of success on their attempt to swim across Lake Michigan from Two Rivers to Ludington, but the couple from Grand Rapids accomplished a greater goal in generating attention and to their cause: combating postpartum depression.

Hundreds of people commented on their Facebook page, Through the Blue, as they swam more than 40 miles on Tuesday and Wednesday. The notes of encouragement accelerated as they neared the Big Sable Lighthouse. Their progress slowed in the evening, as the lake currents from the northeast hindered them.

Late Wednesday, however, a paramedic on their support boat declared they were too exhausted and dehydrated to continue. They attempted to kayak the last 11 miles, but that also proved too great an effort.

Their support boat delivered the couple to Ludington and they were taken to the Memorial Medical Center for further evaluation, as a precaution.