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J. Marvin Mims
J. Marvin Mims is the President of the International Federation of Professional Ocean Swimmers and Divers who was the observer and authenticator of the Cuba-to-Florida swim of Walter Poenisch in 1978. He was assisted in this ocean swim by Glenn Drummond, escort boat owner, Fayette Poenisch, and Captain Bendt Lynge.
Walter Poenisch
Walter Poenisch (1913 - 2000) was a former American open water swimmer who completed swim in Michigan, Ohio, and Florida and set three world records. He was called the World's Strongest Endurance Swimmer as he towed a 30-ton paddlewheel boat while swimming with his hands and feet shackled. He also completed a swim from Cuba to The Little Duck Key in Florida at the age of 68 on 11 July 1978. His solo swim took 128.8 miles in 34 hours 15 minutes.
International Federation of Ocean Swimmers and Divers
Walter Poenisch followed the rules of the International Federation of Ocean Swimmers and Divers on his swim across the Straits of Florida:
- Fins are allowed
- Snorkel is allowed
- Shark cage is allowed
- Getting out of the water four times for no longer than five minutes at a time to administer emergency medicine, receive critical nourishment, or for any reason that directly threatened the life of the swimmer
External links
- Walter Poenisch Honored By International Marathon Swimming Hall Of Fame
- Swim4Peace
- Widow of Columbus Man Says He Completed Cuba to Florida Swim
- Walter Poenisch in Florida Keys
- Shark Infested Waters From Cuba To Florida
- Australian Is The First Woman To Swim From Cuba To Florida
- Walter Poenisch Swims To Cuba
- Poenisch Win Libel Suit
- Birthday Boy On Way To Swimming Milestone
- Sports Illustrated On Walter Poenisch
- Lost At Sea
- 1978, The Year That Was
- World Open Water Swimming Association
- Walter Poenisch Inducted In Swimming Hall Of Fame
- Fay And Walter Poenisch Enter Swimming Hall Of Fame
- Walter Poenisch Showcased On Travel Channel
