Polish open-water swimmer Bartłomiej Kubkowski swam across the Baltic Sea from Sweden to Poland, covering over 160 kilometres in approximately 55–56 hours. He did not sleep, did not leave the water and did not touch the support boats. On the evening of 2 August, the swimmer reached the shore at Dźwinów unaided, according to Gdańsk’s official website.
Briefly about the main points
- Kubkovsky set off on 31 July near Kaseberg in Sweden.
- He finished in Dziewnow, Poland, on 2 August at 19:59.
- The distance was over 160 kilometres and took around 55–56 hours.
- The swimmer completed the course on his fifth attempt.
- Donations to Cancer Fighters have exceeded 700,000 zlotys.
The finish line after more than two days in the water
Bartłomiej Kubkowski He was travelling at a speed of approximately 2.7 to 3.3 kilometres per hour. Two boats with a crew accompanied him, monitoring the swimmer’s condition and ensuring his safety.
The athlete received food and drink whilst still in the water. On the evening of 2 August, at 19:59, an exhausted Kubkovsky made his way ashore on his own at Dzivnuv, where his team, family and supporters were waiting for him.
He became the first person to successfully complete a non-stop swim along this route. Swimming ashore unaided, without any contact with vessels, complies with the generally accepted principles of unassisted marathon swimming, although official recognition of the achievement will depend on the rules of the relevant sporting organisation.
Five years of preparation and training for children
The Ultra Baltic Swim project had been a long-standing goal for Kubkovsky. He had abandoned his four previous attempts due to the weather, exhaustion or health problems. In 2025, the swimmer spent over 50 hours at sea, but the team had to stop him about 11 kilometres off the Polish coast after he lost his bearings.
This year’s crossing took place against a backdrop of cold water, waves, currents, physical exhaustion and a lack of sleep. Compared with the previous attempt, the decisive factor was not only covering the distance, but also reaching the shore safely.
The swim was also a charity event in support of the Cancer Fighters charity, which helps children undergoing treatment for cancer. By the time the swim finished, the total amount raised had exceeded 700,000 zlotys — around 165,000 euros. Fundraising continued after the swim had ended.
A result that is still subject to verification
Kubkovsky described the 2026 attempt as the fifth and final one in this project, to which he had devoted around five years. According to his website, the athlete also holds the world record for a 24-hour swim in a pool — 103.58 kilometres.
The completion of the swim from Sweden to Poland has already gone down in history as a landmark achievement for Polish open-water swimming. However, its status as an official record will require separate verification in accordance with the procedures of the organisation responsible for registering the swim.
