This year’s cold-water swimmers’ baptism in the Vltava took place on Sunday 2 January 2022. That afternoon, the river’s right bank welcomed us with water at 5.6°C and air at 7.7°C. As every year, the event was open to everyone: newcomers and experienced cold-water swimmers, locals and visitors alike. It is not reserved exclusively for “newcomers” who joined our club during the previous year.
Last year’s baptism had been cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, so this year the Vltava attracted more cold-water swimmers than usual. To comply with the public-health restrictions in force, swimmers were divided into groups of twenty.
After an introduction by club chair Tomáš Prokop, the baptism itself could begin. One by one, everyone who wished to take part was “ritually” sprinkled with a cup of Vltava water. Those who wanted a little extra excitement brought ice cubes from home. Afterwards, each newly baptised swimmer enjoyed a swim in the Vltava at their own pace.
This year’s baptism in Braník attracted around 45 newcomers, along with several experienced members of I. plavecký klub otužilců Praha.
We look forward to seeing you at the 2023 baptism! Perhaps even you, dear readers who are about to run a hot bath after reading this, will join us in the water.
