Breaking records for AIDEMAR

THE LONG distance swimmer Alberto Lorente, popularly known as El hombre de las aguas ( water man), undertook a massive challenge last weekend when he swam an entire circuit of the Mar Menor, wearing visibility reducing glasses.

The fundraising 49kilometre swim was to raise funds for the construction of a sports pitch at the San Pedro del Pinatar day centre for the integration of people with disabilities, AIDEMAR.

The swim started at 17.00 on Saturday, October 10 from Playa La Mota and finished 19hours and 58 minutes later at Barnuevo esplanade in Santiago de la Ribera.

Throughout the swim Lorente was accompanied by Francisco Martinez and Marc

Guitart in kayaks.

Although the course was measured at 49km, Lorente eventually swam 50.8km.

In addition to it being a ‘ blind’ swim, the ‘ water man’ also suffered jellyfish stings, and sickness caused by the constant effort.

By completing the challenge Alberto Lorente became the new official world record holder for a ‘ blind’ swim.

He beat the previous record of 46km which was set in 1999.

People wanting to donate to the swim can do so through the account number ES42 3058 0239 4027 2000 1000.