Waldemar Bruderer, a daring free diving athlete from Switzerland, has set the world record by diving deep under the ice at Lake Sils in Graubunden.
Bruderer got the world record by diving 56 meters under the icy water with its temperature below freezing point at -1C and it took him 2 minutes and 47 seconds. He broke the previous record of Czech free-diver David Vencl by four meters.
It is important to note that the attempt, made in February, recently appeared on Guinness World Records (GRW) site, involved no wetsuit or fins and the diver was completely exposed to elements.
Lake Sils is located nearly 1800 meters above sea-level and its location made the attempt more challenging as the oxygen levels are lower at that altitude.
The free diving athlete expressed that he hopes to raise awareness about climate change, making the world realise how important it is to save glaciers.
In conversation with GRW after achieving the feat, the free-diving instructor said that he was captivated by the challenge of the extreme environment and the serenity of the underwater world.
He added, “I want to experience nature in its purest form and by minimizing equipment I felt more connected to the elements and the majestic underwater landscapes.”
Bruderer said that this world record is a reminder that we must cherish and protect the natural world we inhabit.