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or most of us placing our big toes into waters we consider cold is enough to set us running back to warmer climes. However, Lewis is undaunted. He’s on a mission and it’s mind over matter, not to mention that this is going to be the coldest swim he’s encountered to-date. Why, you may ask when he’s already swum in waters at the North Pole to draw attention to melting sea ice?
Well this time around he cannot put on the additional weight he would normally require to insulate himself as he has to achieve a fine balance so that he’s not too heavy for the climb, yet should not be too badly affected by the temperature of the water of the Khumbu Glacial Lake. “I will be weighing in at about 98kgs,” he says during a telephonic interview with GoingPlacesSA. AND don’t think that he has a diet planned by a dietician – “I eat whatever I want to,” he says. “A lot of people think that what you eat has an impact, I believe that what you need is determined by genetics and mindset.”
With respect to the latter, control of the mind plays an extremely important part in Lewis’ undertakings. So much so that he has not one, but, two mind coaches – David Becker and Martin Jenkins. However, they don’t both accompany him on his adventures and this time around it will be Martin.
In fact, of his team of 29, six will be part of the Everest swim/climb, ranging from “youngsters to a man of 72” – Tim Toyne Sewell, former Commandant of the Royal Military Academy and leader of this expedition. Of course, the journey has to be documented and to this end Kitty Logan will be responsible for the footage. No, she won’t be carrying her own equipment, two sherpas (porters) have been hired for the duration of the trip.
Prominence of environment
Curious to know how Lewis became so intricately involved in saving our world, I plunged (no pun intended) in with my question. “My father saw the effects of the first British atomic bomb test and as a result always used to take me to National Parks,” he says.
His original aim when he first began his swims was to set new records, this is no longer the case, he swims in areas whose plight needs the attention of the world. It’s been an evolving journey. “It’s no longer for the sake of records – now it’s necessary. Five years ago I swam in a lake in a volcano and was impacted by the enormous amount of Orca whales which had been killed by the volcano – I was surrounded by hundreds of bones. In 2007 I travelled to the Maldives and saw how much coral had been damaged.”
Since then he has made a point of travelling to specific destinations –some of which are highlighted in scientific journals or even in the news. AND each the year the effects of global warming have been more and more severe. With respect to this particular journey: “I read a scientific report on the melting of this particular glacier,” he says. “These glaciers are not just ice. They are a lifeline – they provide water to a fifth of the world’s population. The Hindu Kush Himalayas Region has warmed on average by approximately 1oC and glaciers in the region are melting rapidly. Entire glaciers have disappeared in places. Lake Imja, where I will undertake a number of training swims, has formed due to the melting of the Imja Glacier. We must do all we can to raise awareness of the effects of climate change here.”
Swimming without a wetsuit, merely a swimming costume, cap and goggles Lewis can feel the changes in the water. “When I swam in the Antarctic in 2005 the water was 0⁰, my swim three years ago was in water 1.7⁰ warmer. It’s the difference between hell and heaven, darkness and light, life and death – and if I can feel it how much more does nature?”
Getting the message across
Whether it’s speaking to businessmen or school children Lewis is on a mission to spread the message that “we are at a crucial moment in the history of the world and that we need to unite to stop the runaway effects of climate change”.
His message has had a profound effect on one of the USA’s largest chains – Walmart. “All products now have to fill in a rate card,” he adds. “This marks the environmental impact of the product from inception to the consumer to its runoff into the sea. If the rate is too high the stores won’t stock it. Hopefully this will change the way in which manufacturers will behave. They CAN make a difference if they all do the same.”
With respect to children, Lewis visited 40 schools last year who were members of the Pick ‘n Pay Club. “It struck home what high standards they have,” he says, “and knowledge of what adults need to do." But, more than that, his is a message to the teachers to teach them how to protect the environment. "It's astounding how many KZN children, for instance, haven't experienced a game reserve - and there are somany on their doorstep. I really believe that every child should be exposed to national parks – it’s a parent’s duty! ." As his dad taught him at a young age and he has always remembered – "We can never protect things we don’t love!” |
