Local swimming group, Opatija Kukali, has been organising winter swims for 22 years.
Cold-water swimming is gaining popularity across Europe – and one Croatian coastal town has made it a winter ritual.
In Opatija on Croatia’s northern Adriatic coast, groups of residents and visitors plunge into icy waters throughout winter.
Opatija Kukali, a local swimming group, has been organising winter swims for 22 years.
Between November and January, members gather on the beach, disrobe in the cold air, and then step steadily into the sea.
This year, the water measured 17 degrees during the group’s first session. By January, the water temperature could drop as low as 10 degrees.
Many in the town believe the long-running tradition offers real health benefits.
“From our many years of experience with winter swimming and from studying professional and scientific literature, we can say that the benefits are significant," said Dr Mario Susanj, the group’s president.
He cited "improved circulation, improved heart function, better lung function, increased blood vessel elasticity – which is very important, especially for the elderly – and strengthened immunity during the winter period.”
The group has become one of the city's winter symbols, especially with its New Year’s tradition of cold water swimming on 1 January.
The hobby has gotten so popular that local hotels now offer guests the opportunity to swim with the group.
"We also swim at home in Wuster Lake, and it’s a great experience to swim in the sea as well,” Paula Knauss, a tourist from Austria, said after taking the plunge recently.
Cold water immersion is known to trigger the release of endorphin and norepinephrine, an alertness hormone that helps activate fight-or-flight responses of the human body.
However, most research so far has been based on small groups and short-term studies.
Health experts also warn of risks from cold water swimming.
Entering icy water can cause a sudden spike in blood pressure, which is potentially dangerous for people with heart conditions. Staying in the water for too long also increases the risk of hypothermia.
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