The Cold Club Lausanne · Genève Join

Practical information · first time

Your first cold swim, without pressure.

You can come alone. Most new participants do, then meet the group on site. We are here to make sure you feel expected, introduced and free to move at your own pace.

Lausanne

Sunday · 2:00 PM

During the season at Vieux-Port d’Ouchy. Same place in all weather, except for safety changes announced on Instagram.

Geneva

Dates announced

Meetups are planned in advance at Bains des Pâquis and published on Instagram.

Price

CHF 0

Meetups and introductions are completely free. No donation, tip, payment or membership fee.

First time

Welcome

First-timer or regular, you enter only if you want to and leave whenever you need to.

Coming solo

Arrive solo. Leave knowing new people.

Many participants come alone for their first meetup. If you feel shy, message us beforehand. We can meet you a few minutes early, introduce you to the group and make sure you feel genuinely welcome.

What happens

A simple first session.

01

Arrive a little early

Come already wearing your swimsuit under your clothes. Find the group and keep all your warm clothing within easy reach.

02

Tell us it is your first time

Someone from the group will explain the location, entry, exit and conditions. You can ask every question you have.

03

Enter gradually

Stay close to the exit, within your depth, and wait until your breathing is controlled. No minimum time, no challenge, nothing to prove.

04

Get out and warm up

Dry off, remove wet clothing and dress warmly. We stay together until everyone feels comfortable again.

What to prepare

The right equipment changes the experience.

  • Swimsuit already worn under your clothes
  • A large dry towel that is easy to unfold
  • Loose, very warm clothing for afterwards
  • Warm hat, gloves and thermal socks
  • Easy shoes and optional water shoes
  • A hot non-alcoholic drink and a small snack
  • A waterproof or separate bag for wet items

Safety · personal responsibility

Cold water involves risk.

You participate at your own risk. You must assess your health, your limits and the conditions, and confirm that your insurance covers cold-water swimming accidents. The group provides a community setting, not professional supervision or medical advice.

  1. 01 Never enter the water alone. Stay with the group and make sure everyone has left the water.
  2. 02 Enter slowly. Do not jump, dive or deliberately hold your breath.
  3. 03 Stay within your depth and close to a safe exit. Cold water can quickly reduce swimming ability.
  4. 04 Leave immediately if you feel unwell, disoriented, very short of breath, numb or unable to control your breathing.
  5. 05 Do not participate under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If conditions feel uncertain, stay out of the water.

For a first immersion, or if you have a heart condition, high blood pressure, epilepsy, are pregnant or have any medical concern, seek advice from a healthcare professional before taking part. In an emergency in Switzerland, call 144 or 112.

Introduction on request

A free introduction with George.

A welcome and introductory session with George can be arranged on request, subject to availability, individually or in a small group. It is 100% free: no invoice, donation or tip.

The introduction helps you understand the location, prepare your equipment and enter gradually. It is not medical advice, lifesaving training or professional supervision.

Registration · 2026-27 season

Join the group or request an introduction.

Complete the form to join The Cold Club in Lausanne or Geneva. For an introduction with George, send an Instagram message or email afterwards so a time can be arranged.

100% free

Frequently asked questions

Before you come.

Can I come alone?

Yes. Most people come alone for their first meetup. Message us if you would like to be welcomed and introduced to the group before the swim.

Do I have to enter the water?

No. You can meet the group, observe and decide on site. There is no pressure and no minimum time in the water.

Do meetups happen in all weather?

In Lausanne, seasonal meetups normally take place every Sunday at 2:00 PM at Vieux-Port d’Ouchy. Any safety-related exception is announced on Instagram.

Is the introduction with George free?

Yes. It is offered on request, subject to availability. No payment, donation or tip is accepted.

How long should I stay in the water?

There is no universal duration. Enter gradually, stay close to the exit and leave as soon as your body or breathing tells you to stop.

Can I participate with a health condition?

Seek advice from a healthcare professional before entering cold water if you have a medical condition, any doubt, or this is your first cold-water experience.

Contact

Get in touch.

Questions about a swim, your first visit, a partnership or an event? Send us your message here.