Man to swim the Vistula for children with FASD

16 July 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Jacek Pałubicki will swim the Vistula to raise funds and awareness for children with FASD. Follow the fundraiser and join the relay.

Jacek Pałubicki will attempt to swim the Vistula for charity, covering over 900 km of the river’s navigable channel to support children with FAS and FASD. Moreover, he plans to use the challenge to amplify a fundraiser run by the Mały Książę Foundation and to promote the #NiePijZaMnie prevention campaign.

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Why Jacek will swim the Vistula

Pałubicki says the idea grew from past river trips and personal limits. In addition, he wants to expand his physical and mental boundaries. Consequently, he chose Poland’s longest river because of its scale and symbolism. He previously paddled 2,000 km by kayak in 2020. However, swimming poses a different test. Therefore he trains in pools and open water. He also builds strength by running and weight work. Moreover, he studies logistics, gear, and a media plan.

Route, timing and support

He will start at kilometre zero near Oświęcim on July 18 at 06:00. Then he will follow the navigable Vistula downstream to the Baltic Sea. He aims to finish by August 9 at the river mouth. In addition, he will carry a GPS tracker and post updates on his Facebook page “Na Otwartym Nurcie.” Consequently, locals can follow him and meet him on the banks. He invites well-wishers to give encouragement. Also he welcomes kayak relays and support boats.

Charity goal and how to help

The swim highlights a fundraiser for the Mały Książę Foundation. It supports foster and adoptive families who care for children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Moreover, the campaign funds therapy, psychiatric care, and training for carers. Importantly, FASD and FAS are lifelong neurodevelopmental disorders linked to prenatal alcohol exposure. However, they are entirely preventable if parents avoid alcohol during pregnancy. Therefore the campaign also focuses on prevention with the #NiePijZaMnie message. You can donate via https://www.siepomaga.pl/nie-pij-za-mnie. In addition, you can bring warm, nutritious meals or fresh fruit to agreed riverside stops. He asks for logistical help as well, including kayak escort segments.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you are an expat planning to watch or support, note Polish emergency number 112. Moreover, basic healthcare goes through the NFZ (National Health Fund). In addition, social insurance is handled by ZUS (Social Insurance Institution). Also many local services use PESEL (national ID number) for records. Therefore carry ID and a phone. Finally, check local river rules and respect navigation authorities when joining the riverbank.

Pałubicki flags several dangers he expects. He fears long-term strain on his body, possible injuries, and digestive issues. Moreover, he warns of river obstacles, variable currents, and wildlife. He must also complete the swim during his official summer leave as an aspiring prosecutor. Therefore his schedule has little slack. Consequently he will need community help if weather delays occur.

Local authorities and volunteers have a role to play. Moreover, the media plan aims to turn personal endurance into real help for families. In addition, tracking and sharing will widen the campaign’s reach. Therefore even small donations will matter.

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