Ram Barkai (born October 22, 1957) is a South African open water swimmer and former businessman, specializing in winter swimming and known for his ability to withstand extremely cold waters. He has taken on many of the world's toughest swims, including that in the icy waters of Switzerland and the shark-infested waters of South Africa. Born in Israel, Barkai holds many world records related to swimming, including the record for being the only person to have swum the Robben Island crossing at night . He has also appeared on many television programs, including the documentary Stan Lee's Superhumans. Founder of the International Ice Swimming Association, Barkai resides in Cape Town, South Africa, where he moved to in 1966 and first experienced open water swimming.

Career

Military

Prior to moving to Cape Town, where he now resides, Barkai served nine years in the Israeli Army.

Businessman

Swimming aside, Barkai was the Chief Executive Officer and Director of Cadiz Holding Limited from 2005 to 2012.

Barkai (Hebrew: בַּרְקַאי, lit. Morning Star) is an Israeli kibbutz in the Menashe Regional Council on the western side of Wadi Ara. Its main industries include thermal and acoustic insulation, lamination and packaging: the Polyon Barkai factory; and agriculture: cattle, poultry, avocado and field crops.

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