Lausanne
We meet every Sunday at 2:00 PM at the same place, the Vieux-Port d’Ouchy swimming platform, in rain, snow or sunshine. Any safety-related exception is announced on Instagram.
Join us for our fourth season.
The season starts in November 2026. Join us for free, welcoming cold-water swims in Lausanne and Geneva.
- 2023
- Ouchy + Bains des Pâquis
- 0 CHF
No donations, tips or membership fees
Cold water. Warm welcome.
We meet by the lake, enter the water at our own pace, then warm up together. No competition, no stopwatch and no pressure. Just a simple shared ritual that makes cold-water swimming more social and less intimidating.
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Meet
Come as you are. We welcome first-timers and regular swimmers, share the practical information and look out for one another.
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Immerse
Enter gradually, breathe calmly and stay only as long as feels right for you. There is nothing to prove.
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Reconnect
Get dry and warm straight away, share a hot drink and leave with the energy of the lake and the group.
Come solo. You will not stay alone.
Most people come alone for their first swim. You are completely welcome: the group is here to meet people, share the experience and form new connections.
Geneva
Meetups are planned in advance at Bains des Pâquis. Dates and practical information are announced on Instagram.
Not a performance. A weekly ritual.
The Cold Club Lausanne is neither an association nor a commercial activity. It is a community initiative created so that people who enjoy or want to discover cold-water swimming do not have to practise alone.
Accessible
Friendly meetups for curious first-timers and experienced cold-water swimmers alike.
Free
No membership fee, donation, tip or payment. Ever.
Together
The lake brings us together. Everyone moves at their own pace, supported by the group.
Local
A community born in Lausanne, rooted at Ouchy, with a Geneva group at Bains des Pâquis.
The cold brings us closer.
“Joy, laughter and moments shared by the lake. That is The Cold Club.”
The next adventure.
Community Aare float from Thun towards Bern on Saturday 29 August. Registration required · final route confirmed that day.
Aare river float
Thun · Bern
We float the Aare together from Thun towards Bern using suitable, steerable inflatable boats. Decorative floaties on their own are not suitable. The final route depends on weather and Aare conditions.
- Confirmed Saturday after weather and Aare conditions are checked
- Thun station · suggested trains shared in the group · also check the SBB app
- Private message to @georgeraymondch · very limited places
- Steerable inflatable boat, paddle, pump, life jacket, swimwear, towel, dry clothes, waterproof bag, water shoes, sun protection, water and lunch
- Confident swimmers only. No alcohol before or during. Never tie boats together. Boat rentals are not accepted for this group outing. Participation is voluntary and entirely at your own risk.
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0 CHF
No donations, tips or membership fees
Past events
Rhône river float
Geneva
A community float on the Rhône in Geneva, with inflatables, a picnic and good vibes.
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Lac de Brenet hike and Lac de Joux swim
Lac de Brenet · Lac de Joux
A hike to Lac de Brenet followed by a dip in Lac de Joux.
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La Dôle hike
La Dôle
An accessible hike from Lausanne and Geneva, combining mountain views and new connections.
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Limmat river float
Zurich · Dietikon
A community river float from Wipkingerpark with mandatory safety equipment.
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Rhône river float
Geneva
Inflatables, a picnic and 30 to 45 minutes together on the Rhône.
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Aare river float
Thun · Bern
A day on the Aare with floaties and inflatable boats, starting together from Thun.
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Closing swim
Ouchy · Lausanne
A final seasonal swim, new connections and Georges’ birthday.
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La Tour-de-Peilz swim
La Tour-de-Peilz
A winter community gathering on the Vaud Riviera.
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Christmas swim
Ouchy · Lausanne
A community Christmas celebration in 9 °C water.
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Halloween swim
Ouchy · Lausanne
A free costume swim open to everyone.
View post ↗︎Be the first to know.
Sign up to receive the reopening announcement, the first dates and practical information for Lausanne and Geneva. No commitment, no fee and no unnecessary messages.
- Season reopening announcement
- Confirmed dates, times and meeting points in Lausanne and Geneva
- Practical guidance before your first swim
Join us
No donations, tips or membership fees
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers so you can arrive prepared, with realistic expectations.
When does the 2026–27 season begin?
Dates will be announced once the calendar is confirmed. The 2025–26 season ended on 26 April 2026.
Where do the swims take place?
Our Lausanne meetups mainly take place at the Old Port of Ouchy swimming platform on Lake Geneva. We also have a Geneva group at Bains des Pâquis. The exact meeting point is shared before each session.
Is it really free?
Yes. The Cold Club Lausanne is a non-commercial community initiative: there are no membership fees, donations, tips or payments.
Does the club organise events beyond cold-water swimming?
Yes. The Cold Club is also a social club. We organise hikes, river floats, afterworks, parties and other community meetups.
Can I join if I am a beginner?
Yes. Curious first-timers and regular swimmers are welcome. Enter gradually, go at your own pace and leave the water whenever you need to.
What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, very warm clothes for afterwards and a hat. Water shoes and a hot drink are also useful.
What health precautions should I take?
Cold-water swimming involves risk. Each person is responsible for their safety and insurance. If you have a heart condition, high blood pressure, epilepsy, are pregnant or have any medical concern, seek professional advice before entering the water.
The club, simply explained.
A free community initiative
Cold Lausanne, also known as The Cold Club, is neither an association nor a commercial activity. It is the name of an initiative for people who enjoy swimming in the lake throughout the year.
Cold-water swimming should never be done alone. We organise spontaneous meetups and free introductory sessions to make it more accessible.
Our Instagram page shares motivation, enjoyment and practical information for the group.
- No commercial activity
- No membership fees
- No donations or tips
- All payments are strictly prohibited
Cold-water introduction and group swim
Would you like to try cold-water swimming for the first time, or simply stop doing it alone? Join a free introductory session in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
- 2:00 PM, every Sunday
- Vieux-Port d’Ouchy swimming platform, right side
What to bring
- +Arrive already wearing your swimsuit
- +A large towel
- +Very warm thermal clothing
- +A hat, gloves and anything else you need to stay warm
More accessible swimming
The platform now has an integrated hydraulic lift to improve access for people with reduced mobility.
Feeling shy or have a question?
Send us a private message. We can answer your questions or meet you before the swim and welcome you into the group.
A real social club
The lake is the starting point. The community goes further.
The Cold Club is also a social club. Beyond cold swims, we organise hikes, river floats, afterworks, parties and other ways to spend time together. You can come solo, meet the group and join the community.
- Hikes
- River floats
- Afterworks and parties
- Spontaneous meetups
Join the community →