Come in; the water is ice cold

The Russians enjoy going to the beach to swim, and they will not be deterred by freezing winter conditions. While some people only take the freezing plunge once a year to kick off the new year, others enjoy their icy swims all winter. Many Russians feel that swimming in ice-cold water is beneficial to their health and will visit the beach even on the coldest days. Their boldness has earned them the endearing and apt nickname “walruses.”