Winter is coming and Tom Wasiek is jumping in early.
Every Wednesday, the personal trainer is hosting a free “winter dip” at Altona beach.
Members of the public meet at Altona pier at 5pm and take the plunge into the ocean.
Some people might say he’s crazy.
“Actually, everyone says that,” Mr Wasiek said.
“But it’s just that there’s so many healthy benefits. I say you’re actually crazy not to do it.
“The big one is that it boosts your immune system.”
The practice is uncommon in Australia but popular in many other countries.
“Especially where I’m from – I’m Polish background,” Mr Wasiek said. “But that part of the world – Sweden, Finland – they all do it.”
He said people built up their endurance and adapted to the cold water.
“We start with five minutes and then we slowly build up to 20 minutes,” Mr Wasiek said.
He said the winter dips could continue right through to October – the middle of spring.
“As long as it’s cold – if the water stays under 15 degrees – then those health benefits still exist.”
The current temperature in the bay is just under 15 degrees and the coldest time of year is August when it dips to about 11 degrees, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
