The organisers expect more than 50 competitors to compete at the 4th Bled Winter Swimming Cup, a traditional amateur race that developed after the town hosted the World Championship in Winter Swimming in 2010.

Turizem Bled director Eva Štraus Podlogar has told the STA that the competition attracted swimmers not only from Slovenia but also from New Zealand, Hong Kong and Canada. Anyone interested can still apply until 10 AM today.

The competitors will swim 25-metre and 50-metre tracks near Toplice Hotel. Those uncertain about their ability to swim in freezing water can do the "penguin", said Štraus Podlogar, explaining that this was a simple jump into the lake.

All competitors will get a participation plaque and will be able to warm up in the sauna after the competition.

Competitors are not allowed to wear wetsuits, but experienced winter swimmers advise wearing a swimming cap, which will allegedly prevent swimmers from catching a cold.