Polish swimmer first to cross Baltic Sea without leaving water

Polish swimmer Bartłomiej Kubkowski has achieved a remarkable feat, becoming the first person to successfully swim across the Baltic Sea without disembarking. Kubkowski departed from Sweden and reached Poland, completing a journey of over 160 kilometers in 55 hours.

Throughout the arduous swim, a specialized vessel accompanied him, ensuring his safety, providing navigation, and delivering food. This success marks Kubkowski's fifth attempt at the crossing; a previous attempt in 2025 had to be abandoned just 11 kilometers from the Polish coast after he lost consciousness following 53 hours in the water.

To achieve this record, Kubkowski was forbidden from touching the support vessel, resting, or sleeping. He faced significant physical challenges, particularly during the second night of the swim. Rigorous training and a strict diet plan were crucial in mitigating the impact of these difficulties.

Kubkowski had trained for extended periods, including swimming for 36 hours continuously and practicing at night to build endurance and mental fortitude. Following his finish, he stated he was too exhausted to fully comprehend his achievement. The swim also served a charitable purpose, with funds raised to be donated to the "Cancer Fighters Foundation" to support children undergoing cancer treatment.

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He is too tired to fully comprehend this achievement.