The winter bathing community in Poland is something of a phenomenon. The International Winterbather's Rally in Mielno was initiated in 2004 and has grown significantly in numbers each year. The event was inspired by weekly winter Baltic-bathing get-togethers originated by 20 hardy souls. They come from all parts of Poland. Some of them are organized in regional clubs, while others just do it on their own. Swimming happens year-round but the participants are happiest when the winter season comes. No matter the temperature, the time of day, or how fierce the weather, these swimmers will not be deterred. Most of them started because of possible health benefits, citing improved stamina and a stronger immune system among the results, while others were simply looking for friends or a winter hobby. The number of people regularly swimming in the winter in Poland is 3000 at the Rally in 2009, 1,000 folks jumped in the water for the big splash that ended the Rally.
FULL SCREENWinter Bathing
Janusz Strach takes winter baths for 7 years in Marcinek Lake close to Ukraine border. He prefers to practise on his own.
Members of Brenna Winterbathing Club during their regular Sunday meeting. Brenna is a village located in Polish mountains. Most of the members are retaired coal mine workers.
Enthusiasts for winter Baltic-swimming during the V International Winterbathers' Rally. Water temperature was 4 Celcius degrees.
Enthusiasts for winter Baltic-swimming during the V International Winterbathers' Rally. Water temperature was 4 Celcius degrees.
Enthusiasts for winter Baltic-swimming during the V International Winterbathers' Rally. Water temperature was 4 Celcius degrees.
Enthusiasts for winter Baltic-swimming during the V International Winterbathers' Rally. Water temperature was 4 Celcius degrees.
Enthusiasts for winter Baltic-swimming during the V International Winterbathers' Rally. Water temperature was 4 Celcius degrees.
Enthusiasts for winter Baltic-swimming during the V International Winterbathers' Rally. Water temperature was 4 Celcius degrees.
Enthusiasts for winter Baltic-swimming during the V International Winterbathers' Rally. Water temperature was 4 Celcius degrees.
Enthusiasts for winter Baltic-swimming during the VI International Winterbathers' Rally. Water temperature was 2 Celcius degrees.
Enthusiasts for winter Baltic-swimming during the VI International Winterbathers' Rally. Water temperature was 2 Celcius degrees.
Janusz Strach takes winter baths for 7 years in Marcinek Lake close to Ukraine border. He prefers to practise on his own.
Janusz Strach takes winter baths for 7 years in Marcinek Lake close to Ukraine border. He prefers to practise on his own.
Winter bathing get-togethers from Wroclaw druing their regular meeting on December 27th 2008. They meet to swim in Olawa river every Sunday.
Enthusiasts for winter swimming in Warsaw finish their regular bath with sauna. They build it last season after visiting Scandinavian winter bathers.
Winter-bathers brake ice on the frozen pond to make their New Year's night swimming possible.
Winter-bathers from Bisztynek celebrate New Year's Eve during their meeting on last night of 2008.
Winter-bathers from Bisztynek celebrate New Year's Eve during their meeting on last night of 2008.
Winter-bathers from Bisztynek celebrate New Year's Eve during their meeting on last night of 2008.
Winter-bathers brake ice on the frozen pond to make their New Year's night swimming possible.
Winter-bathers from Bisztynek celebrate New Year's Eve during their meeting on last night of 2008.
