As temperatures start to drop, Brussels' only public open-air swimming pool FLOW is returning with its cold water swimming concept this Sunday. A warning: taking a dip is not for the faint-hearted!
Plunging yourself into fresh, cold water has not only been praised as a form of exercise and for its health benefits (offering relief from pain, inflammation, and even psychological conditions), but it is also a way to bring like-minded people together. POOL IS COOL – the organisation behind FLOW – invited the first cold-water swimmers last December, the first step to launching its very own community.
After a successful first edition which saw dozens of people brave the cold water even when blocks of ice were forming in the water, POOL IS COLD has confirmed it is returning with a second cold swimming season. The first session will take place on Sunday 6 October between 10:00 and 12:00.
Unlike the previous edition, swimmers will not only be welcomed at the end of the week, but also on Tuesday and Friday evenings from 18:00 to 21:00. An extra element has also been added to the mix, as FLOW's very own sauna is also open for this cold season, making for a true Scandinavian experience.
Swimming on 14 January. Credit: POOL IS COOL
Avid cold-water swimmers or those keen to test their limits don't need to reserve in advance but can just drop by via the back entrance on the Digue du Canal.
People are asked to pay what they can, starting from €5 (a minimum contribution of €7.50 per participant is recommended), which includes a hot drink for all swimmers to warm themselves up after taking the plunge. Those unsure about their physical condition should consult a doctor before doing so.
