NAME: Norm Albert

HOMETOWN: Chantilly, VA

BLS EXPERIENCE: Rookie

WHY BLS? Trying to get more cold water experience before swimming the English Channel some time after turning 70. I was unsuccessful at that channel in my 20s due to hypothermia.

WHO IS YOUR PILOT AND CREW? Pilot’s name is Harvey Leibovitz, and crew's name is Mike

WHERE ARE YOU SWIMMING FOR YOUR BLS TRAINING? Just a county pool, and doing daily cold plunges at 45°.

SWIMMING FUN FACT: Lost 16 pounds the first time I broke the Guinness World Record for treading water 52 hours non-stop. Learned lessons and only lost 2 pounds when I went 64 hours for a new Guinness Record.

ANYTHING ELSE? Thanks in advance to my pilot, crew, and swim organizers!