Thousands of “Walrus” Swimmers Gather for Annual Polish Winter Swim | Arirang News

Moving on to Poland where a record crowd of almost 9-thousand people gathered for the 20th International Winter Swimming Rally.

Taking place in the northwestern town of Mielno on Sunday, local time the event saw swimmers, from nations including Germany, Ireland, and Hungary plunge into the Baltic Sea with water temperatures of 2 degrees Celsius.

The traditional cold swim is called “morsowanie” in Polish and swimmers are nicknamed “walruses”.

The icy plunge is meant to improve health and boost immunity.

Sunday’s event also included a parade through the local town fitness classes, and a jacuzzi and sauna zone.