Bathers from 7 to 87 years old!
Despite a thermometer showing 8°C in the air and 14°C in the water, nearly 300 participants responded to the call. A collective immersion which, according to regulars, has many surprises in store: the cold is quickly forgotten once you are moving, giving way to a feeling of intense vitality. On exit, the still numb body continues to struggle, before savoring the expected reward: a glass of mulled wine shared in a friendly and joyful atmosphere.
Among the bathers, the generations mingled without complexes. Iris, 7 years old, impressed with her confidence, while Jean, 87 years old, dean of publishing, once again honored the appointment. “Grandson and son of fishermen, I was born in water”he confides simply. Unfailing loyalty to a ritual that he wouldn’t miss for anything in the world.
A bath in January for 30 years
Another essential figure, Marieté, 80 years old, single-handedly embodies the spirit of this tradition. Present for around thirty years at these events, she does not hesitate to organize several New Year’s baths depending on the city. For her, this winter dip has become a true art of living. “Before, I often had colds. Since taking an ice bath in January, I have never gotten sick again! »she smiled. It’s said!
A mother duckling and a baby in the water
The next generation was also there. Élodie and Jules Mathos, born in 2023, wanted to experience this moment as a family. The young boy dipped his little feet in the water, imitating the big ones for a few moments, before finding the comfort of his mother’s arms, disguised for the occasion as a giant duckling, a playful nod to an event where seriousness never excludes fantasy.
Longe-côte: an activity that doesn’t stop in winter!
The New Year’s swim also took on a sporting aspect thanks to the presence of the longe-côte section of the Seynois Randonneurs club. Chantal, Chacha and Corinne brought their infectious energy, reminding us that physical activity has neither age nor season. At 80 years old, Chantal, the oldest member of the club, trains three times a week and has an impressive track record: French longe-côte champion, she only discovered the sport in retirement, before setting out, at the age of 73, on her first GR20. Within the club, longe-côte is practiced all year round, at the Saint-Elme nautical base, in a friendly and supervised atmosphere, with groups suitable for all levels, from leisure to competition. A great example of accessible, unifying sport that is deeply rooted in local life.
Between personal challenge, collective spirit and conviviality, this New Year’s bath kept all its promises: offering a suspended moment, where we start the year together, with a smile on our faces… and our feet in the water.
