Interesting FAQs

WHY DO YOU SWIM IN JUST A SPEEDO?

I swim according to the rules of the Channel Swimming Association.  They only permit a swimming costume, a cap and a pair of goggles.  No wetsuits are allowed - even if I swim in Antarctica!  

HOW COLD IS THE WATER OFF ANTARCTICA?

The temperature of the sea varies hugely.  For example the water off the Maldives is gorgeous at around 32°C (90F).  In summer the English Channel is refreshing - around 17°C (63F).  However, Antarctica is another world altogether.  The water rarely rises above 0°C (32F).  That is chilly, to put it mildly!  Sea water freezes at minus 1.8°C (29F).

WHICH IS THE MOST FRIGHTENING ANIMAL TO SWIM WITH?

I suppose that depends on which is the hungriest!  On my expeditions I have encountered crocodiles, hippopotami, sharks, polar bears, leopard seals and jelly fish.  I don't enjoy swimming near any of them!  They are all dangerous.  And if you think a polar bear is slow in the water, think again.  It can swim twice the speed of humans and dive to significant depths!

HOW DO YOU STAY WARM IN FREEZING WATER?

I am acclimatised to the cold having spent many years in cold places.  As soon as I enter cold water my body shunts all my warm blood to my core to protect my vital organs.  It also generates incredible heat. But I am also able to elevate my core body temperature by as much as 1.4°C (35F) before I even get into the water.  This phenomenon, now known as "anticipatory thermogenises", has to our knowledge not been noted in any other human being.

And finally, when I get in to the water, I get in with a purpose!  My mind is completely focussed when I dive in.  

This information is courtesy of the official Lewis Pugh website