Monday, July 16, 2007 - 05:07 PM

This water entry would not be as graceful if the ice was still solid!

A British explorer has endured sub-zero temperatures to become the first person to swim at the North Pole.

Lewis Gordon Pugh, 37, swam one kilometre in 18 minutes and 50 seconds at minus 1.8C - the coldest waters a human has swum in.

The water was on the verge of turning to ice and had it been a degree cooler, even polar bears would have been unable to swim.

The challenge was conducted in accordance with Channel Swimming Association Rules with Pugh wearing just a pair of Speedos, a cap and goggles.

Describing the moment he jumped in, he said: "The water was absolutely black. It was like jumping into a dark black hole. It was frightening.

"The pain was immediate and felt like my body was on fire. I was in excruciating pain from beginning to end and I nearly quit on a few occasions."

The City lawyer said the swim was a triumph but it was "a tragedy that it's possible to swim at the North Pole".

"I hope my swim will inspire world leaders to take climate change seriously," he told the BBC.

Mr. Pugh said he hoped that his swim will make world leaders take climate change seriously.

“The decisions which they make over the next few years will determine the biodiversity of our world,” he said.

“I want my children, and their children, to know that polar bears are still living in the Arctic – these creatures are on the front line up here.”

Swimming has given him a unique perspective on climate change, Mr. Pugh said on his website.

“I have witnessed retreating glaciers, decreasing sea ice, coral bleaching, severe droughts and the migration of animals to colder climates.”

“It's as a result of these experiences that I am determined to do my bit to raise awareness about the fragility of our environment and to encourage everyone to take action.”

Pugh's incredible ability to withstand the icy cold has been developed over years of training.

Before he dives in, he spends around 15 minutes using mind power alone to superheat his body.

His pulse rate shoots up from 70 to 160 a minute and his temperature rises from 37C to 38.4, causing him to sweat profusely.

This enables him to withstand swimming in water so cold it would kill anyone else within seconds.
Thanks to Ananova.