‘Pinoy Aquaman’ to attempt record-setting swim today

Pinoy Aquaman Ingemar Macarine will attempt to swim across the English Channel today, August 13, a 33 kilometer channel crossing from the United Kingdom to France.

The environmental lawyer said he will attempt the swim Sunday at 2 am, depending on the weather.

The 21 Mile English Channel is considered as the ‘Mount Everest’ for open water swimmers from all around the world.

While Mount Everest has already been summited by seven Filipinos, the iconic English Channel is yet to be crossed by a Filipino.

Macarine is the first Filipino to attempt this feat.

In a statement, Macarine said he will abide by rules of the Channel Swimming Association (CSA) by wearing only regular swimming trucks, a pair of swimming googles, and a swimming cap.

“Wetsuits and other floating devices are absolutely not allowed. The rules also dictate that I should not touch the boat nor can be touched by another person during the entire course of the swim,” the Surigao-born swimmer said.

Macarine said he will swim non-stop for approximately 3 to 15 hours,

except during hydration and feeding stops for 15 seconds or every 30 minutes, with water temperature of 17 degree Celsius.

“I have trained and prepared for this ultimate swim for two years. I have done more than Thirty charity swims in the Philippines and in the USA, Fifteen of which were certified as pioneering or unprecedented marathon swims (10KM or more) by the World Open Water Swimming Association of Huntington, California,” he said.

“I arrived here in Dover, United Kingdom two weeks ago for the cold water acclimatization training. Hypothermia would be my number one challenge as I am used to the tropical waters of the Philippines,” Macarine added.

Macarine said he dedicates this swim to all Filipinos and aims “to promote cleaner seas and tourism in the country”.

“Hoping and praying for good weather and a successful crossing on August 13. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!” he said.

The swim is principally sponsored Philippine Sports Commission thru Chairman William Ramirez & Commissioner Ramon Fernandez and Commission on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista, Speedo Philippines thru VP Manish Mahtani Maldita Man thru Irene Chan, First Consolidated Bank thru President Argeo Melisimo Martello Building Consultancy thru Andy Cruttenden, Kennington Masonic Lodge 1381 thru Worshipful Master Michael Duque, Congressman Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado, and Sparklab.

Macarine is the Election Officer III of Tubigon, Bohol.