Survival Strokes: Officer Martin's Journey from Backyard Pools to Flight School

In this episode of The Cop and the Comic, Officer Martin dives into his swimming journey, starting with lessons from his grandfather and inspiration from Olympic greats like Mark Spitz. What began as a childhood pastime turned into a critical skill when he joined the Coast Guard Academy and faced a daunting challenge: swimming a mile in full flight gear and treading water for five minutes.

He shares how this wake-up call pushed him to practice extra hours, perfect his strokes, and adapt his lean, athletic body for survival in extreme conditions. 

From freestyle techniques to his go-to swim moves that keep him afloat today, Officer Martin proves he’s got the grit to rival swimming legends like Nyad, Ledecky, and Phelps—only with the added pressure of flight training simulations.

Tune in for an inspiring story of perseverance, technique, and what it truly means to sink or swim. 🏊‍♂️🌊✈️

• Christopher Fox


• Daniel Blatt


• Amy Smith


• Michael Smoothie, PhD


• Luciano Mendez


• Kippie Martin