Second only to the Nile in length, the Rio Amazanoas, as she is called in Brazil, has a larger volume of water than any river in the globe and is often termed a river sea.

A very wide river, as well, the Amazon and its tributaries drain nearly half of South America or an area equivalent to approximately 6,915,000 sq km.

The rain forest supported by the Amazon is considered a major and very vital lung of the planet earth and all the more reason for Strel to have undertaken and carefully planned this swim which is dedicated to the preservation of the rainforest.

He was backed up by a special technical team who broadcasted the progress of the swim from the depth of the jungle and a medical team offering telemedicine or medical advice long distance, another cause to which this swim is dedicated. The people living in remote areas bordering the Amazon would greatly benefit from better access to telemedicine.

Also see: Laurie Baker: The man we will never forget

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