Toxic Lake

Shortly before the outbreak of the pandemic, Poles across the country embraced winter swimming as their favorite pursuit. In fact, I would go even further. Previously a niche activity, winter swimming became the ‘it’ thing to do among the Polish middle class. This was evident, for example, in social media, once flooded with selfies of people standing in cold water. The pandemic brought about the belief that winter swimming might contribute to fighting the virus, especially at a time when fitness clubs, sports fields and other venues were closed. As a result, the banks of various water bodies were teeming with people both during the day and at night. A number of winter swimming clubs were set up or expanded their activity, and the entire ‘winter swimming industry’ sprang up, along with national ‘cold water gurus’. Once I founded something unusual. What I mean is the swan which has been accompanying winter swimmers for years, regardless of the time of day or night. The swan is like a guard resolutely watching over its outpost. Majestic and beautiful, and always ready for action – Lord of the Toxic Lake.