On the occasion of the 54th traditional winter crossing of the Meuse river in the Walloon city of Huy, hundreds of swimmers will brave the freezing waters of Belgium’s longest river. Participants will travel from across the country to brave the waters in an impressive feat of endurance.
Credit: Thierry Tomsin/Cool Huy
There are currently only two clubs in Belgium which practise cold water swimming, with one located in Theux, and the other along the banks of the river in Huy. Temperatures in the river can drop to temperatures just above freezing and even a quick dip can be extremely physically demanding. To compete, participants must be in excellent physical condition.
Some 70 swimmers face the cold water during the traditional winter crossing of the river Meuse in Huy, Sunday 26 February 2006. Credit: Belga / John Thys
Most of the participants at the event are not locals, but rather, most of the competitors are from Flanders, where cold water swimming is far more common.
Swimmers will depart from the Quai d’Aronia in Huy at 10:15 on 19 February. Two styles of swimming are included in the program, breaststroke and freestyle, and different races will put cold water swimmers against each other. There will also be a mixed relay event, involving four crossings between the two banks of the river, which will start at 13:00.
Credit: Thierry Tomsin/Cool Huy
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The event will take place under the watchful eye of the local emergency services, and no doubt, locals who will turn out to spectate. More information can be found the event's official website.
Credit: Belga / John Thys
