Dead Sea drying out by 3.3 feet per year - Swimmers cross Salt Lake for eco awareness (Watch video)

The Dead Sea is shrinking by about 3.3 feet per year owing to human activities.

New Delhi: The Dead Sea, also known as the Salt Sea, is drying out at an alarming rate, environmentalists have warned.

According to EcoPeace Middle East, an organization active in environmental peacemaking in the Middle East, the lake is shrinking by about 3.3 feet per year owing to human activities.

Scientists believe mineral extraction may be another reason the lake is losing its water. Minerals from the Dead Sea are often used in cosmetics and other products.

Earlier this month, in a bid to bring awareness to the falling water levels, a team of international swimmers become the first to cross the nine-mile Dead Sea stretch from Jordan to Israel.

Watch the video below that shows swimmers crossing the Dead Sea wearing protective face masks!The video has been posted by Michael Shubitz, a cameraman, on YouTube.

Video credit: Michael Shubitz

The Dead Sea - bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel and Palestine to the west - remains a popular travel destination, with many flocking to the salt lake.