“Do not forget the safety measures: wet the back of your neck before diving into this water which is around 6 °“, the instructions are given before the annual bath this Sunday, January 9 in the Varennes lake of the Marçon rugby club, near Montval-sur-Loir. For four years, the club has been organizing this event open to all to mark the new year in a friendly atmosphere.
Damien, in a yellow jumpsuit with a blue wig on his head, is getting ready. “JI’m disguised as Marge Simpson, with the means at hand“, this rugby player is having fun.”We are a big family, we like to have fun, we might as well do it with joy and good humor!” In total, 22 participants got into the water. Some came out quickly, shivering, others preferred to stay there. “She’s fresh, but we don’t think about it too much, being together makes us forget it“, summarizes Amory.
– Raphael cann
Some are even regulars to exercise. “I like from time to time to go swimming in cold water. As I do a lot of sport, it is good for the muscles“Says a member of the club, the last to leave the lake.”Last year when there was snow in February, a week later, I was in the river.”
After the cancellation of this event last year this bath was eagerly awaited by club members and locals alike. “We had a lot of emails to ask us if we were doing it this year“, explains Josépha Bourgoin, President of Racing Marçon 72.”We have more and more people, it is almost like a little ritual. “And to warm up, the participants did not miss their reward: a glass of mulled wine or chocolate.