Lewis Pugh

Today is World Oceans Day.

Take a deep breath and join me underwater for a moment, surrounded by these extraordinary creatures.

The ocean is full of wonders. Let’s keep it that way.

#WorldOceansDay

(1/7) Four years ago, I undertook the first swim across the Red Sea, covering 123 km from Saudi Arabia to Egypt over 16 days.

📸 @kelvintrautman / @LewisPughFDN

Why do some people push themselves to the very limit?

Why climb the highest mountains, swim across freezing oceans, or venture into places where the risks are enormous?

I recently spoke with @rohitdbrijnath about what drives people to take on these challenges. He has written a fascinating piece on the subject for @Mint_Lounge, the weekend magazine of India’s business newspaper @livemint.

Read it here: livemint.com/mint-lounge/id…

Fear can be your friend.

I've been swimming for nearly 40 years, and I've been frightened before almost every major swim.

At the North Pole, I felt raw fear as I was about to dive into the freezing water. And more recently, when I swam around Martha’s Vineyard, I was certainly worried about what might be swimming beneath me. The island has become a global hotspot for great white sharks.

Over the years, I've learnt that the best thing to do is not to fight fear, but to accept it.

Fear makes me prepare more carefully, listen to those around me, and question my own assumptions. Those are all good things.

I'm preparing for another swim now. The dangers are very different this time. But I know fear will be coming with me again. And I'll be listening.

🎥 @LewisPughFDN

When I swim past a glacier, I think about time.

My father was born in 1920. A child born late in my life could live until 2150.

That’s 230 years, connected by just three generations.

What will those children say about the choices we make today?