Lake Geneva crossing attracts 1,200 participants
Some 1,200 swimmers took part in the Geneva lake crossing on Sunday. Online registration for the event had filled up within a matter of minutes.
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Lake Geneva crossing attracts 1,200 participants
“The aim is to have fun,” said Olivier Boillat, one of the organisers, a few minutes before the first group of swimmers set off at 8am. The 1,200 participants enjoyed water temperature of 21.5 degrees Celcius for the tenth edition of the event.
Between Wednesday and Thursday, the lake’s temperature had dropped by more than 7 degrees to 17.7 degrees. For safety reasons, the event does not take place if the temperature is below 18 degrees.
The participants set off in four groups of 300 each, depending on their ability level. Paddlers and kayakers ensured safety along the entire route. Among the swimmers providing safety support was Olympic medallist Jérémy Desplanches. Only four people had to give up due to cramps or the cold.
Organised by the ‘Baigneuses et Baigneurs’ group of the Bains de Pâquis Users’ Association, this event is first and foremost a social gathering. There is no competitive ranking.
The oldest participant was aged 92 and took around one hour and f15 minutes to complete the 1,800-metre swim between Genève-Plage and the Bains de Pâquis.
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