Peter Plavec

Distance: 23.5 km

Time: 08:21:43

Start (UCT +02:00):October, 19, 2026, 05:40 am

Start Location: Makanjila (Cape Ngombo)

13°41’43.9080″S 34°50’51.6120″E

Finish Location: Senga Bay,

13°42’42.3720″S 34°37’48.1440″E

Average Water Temperature: ≈27°C

Average Air Temperature: ≈29.5°C

Highest Wind:13 km/h

Lowest wind:   8 km/h

Category: Unassisted Marathon Swim (skins)

Rules: Traditional Open Water Marathon Swimming Rules & Regulations

Costume : Funky Trunks
Goggles :   Maritonin Anti Fog Goggles
Hat: Silicone Swim Cap
Application:  Desitin 40% Zinc Oxide Sunblock

Planned feed:

Every hour 80 grams of Sponser Ultra Competition carb powder plus Sponser salt caps electrolytes is mixed in with 600 ml water, of which 300 ml taken every 30 minutes.

Reason for taking on a Lake Malawi attempt.

I love the adventure and this looks like a good idea to do. It is long, warm and organised very well.

What did you incorporate / how did you prepare for your Lake Malawi Swim?

No, nothing special was incorporated into training regime. I’m a cold water swimmer, so the only thing is that this season I didn’t started my cold water adaptation.

How were you feeling about the swim?

I’m very excited and curious how it will be.

“I don’t have words, it felt so fantastic, I had goosebumps whilst swimming.”

Fantastic swim Peter was a privilege to be part of it and have a front row seat!! Tougher conditions than most swims… incredible performance!

Tough conditions, head winds that never died as it was predicted. Choppy throughout, breeze throughout. Looked like falling away only to pick up. Peter swam incredibly well, never looked tired, seemed to just get stronger.

If the weather had been like that of William Smith’s in 2023, I believe a new record may have been broken.

As an observer, I confirm that I witnessed the entirety of Peter Plavec’s swim From Makanjila to Senga Bay. And can vouch that it was conducted in accordance with the traditional unassisted rules of Marathon Open Water swimming rules. All timing logs and tracker positions were accurate and recorded in real-time throughout the event.

Walter Anthony John Muggleton

Open Water Africa

October 19, 2026

Walter Anthony John Muggleton is the official Observer of the swim. Bringing a wealth of experience to the role.

With 20-year experience of Lake Malawi. Being Chairman and Safety Officer & Rescue Co-ordinator of the Lake Malawi Sailing Marathon.

Pilot & Logistics for the Lake Malawi Marathon swims since 2010. Officially observing documented swim since 2023 with Open Water Africa.

Other qualifications:

• CPR/AED/First Aid
• History of military first aid
• Managing director of Chevron, responsible for safety, health and environment 

Lake Malawi swims use two 5.4-meter Thundercat inflatable boats, each powered by a Yamaha 50hp outboard.

The boats were purchased and stationed locally so they can be properly maintained and kept ready for operation. Their design allows easy communication with swimmers and quick access for rescue if needed.

Each boat can carry up to 5 people. Because they sit low in the water, they handle high winds well and remain stable and easy to operate when conditions turn rough.

Tubor Hideghéty/Dezider Pék

Gideon Duncan & James Douglas