Rafael Gutiérrez Mesa (died 12 September 2017 at the age of 59) was the founder, president and an escort pilot of the Asociación de Cruce A Nado Del Estrecho De Gibraltar ( Strait of Gibraltar Swimming Association ), the governing body that certifies, promotes and organizes solo and relay crossings of the Strait of Gibraltar . His year-round efforts on behalf of the channel swimming community led to a nomination for the 2013 World Open Water Swimming Man of the Year and induction of the Asociación Cruce A Nado Del Estrecho De Gibraltar in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame .