On the first Sunday after New Year, 8 January 2023, our cold-water swimmers’ baptism took place on the right bank of the Vltava in its usual spot below the clubhouse.
As we have mentioned before, this event has deep roots in our club’s history: it was being reported in the press as far back as 1948!
Traditionally open to I. PKO Praha members and swimmers from outside the club alike, it attracted complete newcomers as well as longstanding members.
“The swimmer being baptised bends forward, and the leader pours a mug of freshly drawn Vltava water over their back. To the heartfelt cry of ‘Break a leg!’, the swimmer replies just as sincerely, ‘The devil take you!’” That is exactly how the ceremony was described in the press seventy-five years ago, and exactly how it was performed for everyone who wished to be baptised this year. It really is a long-established tradition. Alongside the swimmers, this year we also “christened” a new cut-glass baptismal cup, whose beauty you can admire in the photographs.
The Vltava was 5.4°C, while the air was slightly warmer at 7.0°C. Some forty-three swimmers — twenty-four women and nineteen men — joined us, along with a number of spectators. As often happens, perhaps we will welcome some of those visitors into the water at next year’s baptism!
Photo gallery I
Photos: Kateřina Raimová
Photo gallery II
Photos: Nikola Kopecká
