Polish swimmer Bartłomiej Kubkowski has become the first person to complete a nonstop swim across the Baltic Sea.
Kubkowski entered the water at Kåseberga in southern Sweden and reached the shore at Dziwnów in northwestern Poland after 55 hours of continuous swimming. The crossing lasted two days and seven hours.
Strict rules governed the record attempt
A support boat accompanied him throughout the journey. However, under the official rules, Kubkowski was not allowed to touch the vessel or leave the water at any point. Food and fluids were passed to him using a long pole while he remained in the sea. He also completed the entire swim without sleeping.
To officially complete the crossing, Kubkowski had to reach the beach under his own power and remain standing without assistance after leaving the water. He successfully met both requirements, although he appeared visibly exhausted after reaching the shore.
Fifth attempt ends in success
The milestone came after years of perseverance. This was Kubkowski’s fifth attempt to swim across the Baltic Sea.
His first four efforts failed. During last year’s attempt, rescuers pulled him from the water after he lost consciousness with only about 11 kilometers (7 miles) remaining before the finish.
Another Polish swimmer, Karolina Szczepaniak, also attempted the crossing in a bid to become the first woman to swim across the Baltic Sea.
Her effort ended after 58 hours in the water. She was forced to stop with about 40 kilometers (25 miles) remaining before reaching the Polish coast.
Swim raises funds for childhood cancer treatment
Kubkowski’s achievement also supported a charitable cause. He raised more than €140,000 for Cancer Fighters, an organization that helps fund treatment for children with cancer.
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