Last weekend, more than 100 people took part in the 54th edition of the annual Winter River Crossing, which this year saw participants brave the cold and swim across the Meuse – in 7°C water.
Participants usually only need a few minutes to cover the 120-metre body of water that flows between banks in the Walloon city of Huy, after which they are welcomed on the other side with hot drinks and peket (an eau de vie typical of Wallonia) by a large crowd of spectators coming to cheer on the swimmers from across the country.
This year, the water was 7°C – which one participant called "almost warm" compared to other editions – and the current was relatively weak. "In 2014, I remember it was 2 degrees," he added.
While non-cold water swimmers in Belgium may have not taken their endurance as far as braving 7°C water, figures from energy companies show that many inhabitants have very likely started taking colder showers to keep their energy consumption as low as possible in the past year.
Last year, Flemish households consumed 14% less gas and 12% less electricity than in 2021, distribution network operator Fluvius calculated. In January 2023, Belgian households would have consumed 16% less energy than in the 2017-2021 period, according to high-voltage grid operator Elia.
These efforts – in combination with dropping prices – will soon be worth it for many households in Belgium, resulting in advance payment bills that are €10-20 to up to €250 lower for some.
Time to start testing your cold water tolerance. Have you started looking for your bathing suit? Let @Maajtee know.
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