PRAGUE (AP) – Czech cold water swimmers set a new world record for the biggest polar bear dip on Saturday.
A total of 2,461 participants were involved in successful attempts in most lakes in the northwest of the Czech Republic.
According to Guinness World Records, the previous record was 1,799 swimmers.
For records to be recognized, participants should wear swimsuits, sit down in the water at least, and stay together for at least one minute.
The water temperature during record trials was 3.5 degrees Celsius (38.2 degrees Fahrenheit). Must be below 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit).
“The Czechs are a country of polar swimmers,” said David Wenk, organizer of the event.
Freediver’s Vencl set a world record four years ago, swimming under the ice for men, when he swam a record 80.9 meters (265 feet) distance.
