Over 700 swimmers brave icy waters for winter dip in Ghent (photos)

On Sunday, 720 participants plunged into the waters of the Blaarmeersen in Ghent for the annual ‘Bibberduik’ winter swim.

This year's edition marked a record turnout with 260 swimmers more compared to last year.

The organisers put participants into three groups, who took turns to rush into the water.

The swim began around 14:30 when the temperature in the water was at 5°C.

Basking under the sunny skies, they faced the cold of the Blaarmeersen, a tradition that continues to prove its popularity.