Lakes
5 placesIce bathing at your own risk. Cold water puts real strain on your heart and circulation. Never go alone, get in slowly and stay in only briefly — one minute is plenty to start with. Keep warm clothes within reach. If you have heart or circulation problems or are pregnant, ask your doctor first. There’s no lifeguard; water level, current and ice can change from day to day. Local signs and the SLRG rules apply.
Good to know · Lakes
Strictly speaking, ice bathing means water below 5 degrees; up to 15 degrees it’s winter bathing or winter swimming — the limits vary. In late autumn the Rhine, the Aare and Lake Zurich are around 12 degrees, smaller rivers already colder.
Never go into cold water alone, enter slowly and breathe out calmly. One to three minutes are enough, keep your head above water. Then dry off straight away, dress warmly or head to a sauna. If you have heart or circulation problems, check with a doctor first.