British environmentalist set to break Antarctic swimming record

A British environmentalist dubbed "the human polar bear" is preparing to swim in Antarctic waters wearing nothing but a speedo.

According to News.com.au, Lewis Pugh will brave icy temperatures, leopard seals and killer whales to complete five 1km swims over five weeks in Antarctica's Southern Ocean. Pugh will attempt to break the world record for most southerly swim in three of the five subzero dips.

By taking the challenge, he intends to raise awareness of moves to protect the region's Ross Sea. Pugh said that it would be all the more daunting to swim in the Antarctic waters after already having experienced it before. He added that this would collectively be the most dangerous swims ever undertaken in the world.