February 01, 2023 Ι The Chilean ice-water swimmer Bárbara Hernández is about to undertake the longest swim ever done by a person. She wants to raise awareness for the need to protect Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.

With the support of the Antarctic Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC), and following in the footsteps of extreme swimmer Lewis Pugh, Bárbara Hernández is urging through this swim the international body responsible for protection of the Southern Ocean – the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) – to support the creation of new marine protected areas in its waters.

Highlight the value of the Antarctica

Calling world leaders to act to ensure the conservation of the ocean and the continent, Hernández will defy nature by swimming more than 1000 meters in just a swimsuit.The Southern Ocean temperatures are below 1°C. The expedition is supported by the Chilean Navy. The swimmer will visit the Antarctic Peninsula and the Chilean Antarctic research bases on King George Island, among others. She will record the experience in a documentary piece, highlighting the value of Antarctica’s territory and its wildlife. Chile and Argentina are co-proponents of a marine protection proposal in the Antarctic Peninsula. The same place where Hernández will attempt her extreme swimming challenge.

Courage to protect the ocean

“I see the changes happening in our ocean, and I hope through this swim, I can inspire people to take action to protect this magical area,” said Bárbara Hernández.

Hernández just recently joined Antarctica2020. The group is made up of leaders from the world of politics, science, media, and sports who are working together to promote protection of Antarctica’s waters. It includes prominent personalities such as oceanographer Sylvia Earle, extreme swimmer and United Nations Patron of the Oceans Lewis Pugh. Also part of the group are Philippe Cousteau, grandson of oceanographer Jacques Cousteau and actor and activist Pamela Anderson.

“Thanks to Bárbara’s strength, courage, and determination, the world is being alerted to the urgency of protecting this last pristine place on the planet. We also need the political courage from world leaders to act now,” said Claire Christian, Executive Director of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition.

Depending on the weather conditions, the antarctic swim is planned to take place between 7th and 15th February 2023.