In short
For a winter swim, the essentials fit in one bag: a swimsuit, a cap, neoprene socks and possibly gloves (feet and hands chill fast), a swim buoy to be seen and rest on, then for getting out a towel, a warm robe or changing cape, easy-to-put-on clothes, a changing mat and a hot drink. And above all, a buddy.
What should you wear in cold water?
- A comfortable swimsuit, or a wetsuit if you want to swim longer.
- A cap, silicone or neoprene: the Swiss Lifesaving Society advises wearing a cap and keeping your head out of the water.
- Neoprene socks: feet feel the cold fast, and Lake Geneva’s pebbles are unforgiving.
- Neoprene gloves if your hands go numb; thicker means warmer but less dexterity. The Outdoor Swimming Society lists them, with socks, among useful winter accessories.
- A brightly coloured swim buoy: the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BFU) recommends one in open water, to be seen and to hold on to if needed.
What do you need for getting out?
- A large towel and a warm robe or changing cape to change out of the wind.
- Loose clothes that are easy to put on with cold fingers: layers, no fiddly buttons, a hat and warm socks.
- A changing mat, so your feet stay off stones or frozen grass.
- A flask of hot drink: the lifesaving society suggests a warm drink to warm up from the inside. No alcohol.
What is the most important piece of kit?
A buddy. The Swiss Lifesaving Society and the BFU are clear: never swim alone in open water, even less so in cold water. The rest of the kit makes the swim more pleasant; having someone there makes it safer.
Where can you buy or rent kit near Lake Geneva?
Local sports and surf shops sell neoprene caps, socks and gloves. To warm up on site, some places have a sauna, like the Bains des Rives at Bellerive (Lausanne) in winter: see the winter swimming guide.
Before you go: the first 90 seconds in cold water. Afterwards: warming up properly. Today’s water is in the app.
Lake Geneva’s water right now
Each beach’s water temperature is in the My Lake app, updated every three hours.
Disclaimer. This article gives general information taken from the sources cited; it is not medical advice. Cold-water swimming puts real strain on the heart and can be dangerous: talk to a doctor before you start, especially with a heart condition, high blood pressure or during pregnancy. Never swim alone and follow lifeguards’ instructions. You swim at your own risk; in an emergency, call 144 in Switzerland or 112.