On Saturday, the Czech Republic etched its name into the record books as 2,461 cold-water enthusiasts plunged into the frigid waters of Most Lake, setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest polar bear dip.

This remarkable feat surpassed the previous record of 1,799 participants, established in Mielno, Poland, on February 15, 2015.

2461 winter swimmers attempt to break the Guiness World Record title for the most people taking a polar bear dip simultaneously, in the Most lake near the town of Most, Czech Republic, March 1, 2025. REUTERS/David W Cerny

Participants braved water temperatures of 3.5 degrees Celsius (38.2 degrees Fahrenheit) to achieve this milestone. To meet the stringent criteria set by Guinness World Records, each swimmer was required to wear a bathing suit, submerge to at least waist depth, and remain in the water for a minimum of one minute, according to AP News.

The event was orchestrated by David Vencl, a renowned Czech freediver celebrated for his extraordinary achievements in cold-water swimming. In 2021, Vencl set a world record by swimming 80.9 meters under ice without a wetsuit. His passion for cold-water immersion and dedication to promoting the sport played a critical role in mobilizing such a large number of participants for this record-breaking attempt.

2461 winter swimmers attempt to break the Guiness World Record title for the most people taking a polar bear dip simultaneously, in the Most lake near the town of Most, Czech Republic, March 1, 2025. REUTERS/David W Cerny

Cold-water swimming, otherwise referred to as “polar bear dipping,” has deep cultural roots in the Czech Republic. The activity is cherished not only for its invigorating nature but also for its health benefits, including improved circulation and boosted immunity. Since becoming more mainstream, communities across the country frequently organize winter swimming events.

2461 winter swimmers enter the Most lake attempting to break the Guiness World Record title for the most people taking a polar bear dip simultaneously, near the town of Most, Czech Republic, March 1, 2025. REUTERS/David W Cerny

The successful record attempt at Most Lake has garnered international attention. The achievement was widely covered by global media outlets, celebrating the participants’ courage and simultaneously raising the bar for other nations.