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Hungarian Ice and Winter Swimming Association
HU
About the association

Goals

Safe conditions, a strong domestic calendar, an international presence and more and more well-prepared cold-water swimmers – this is what we build around the sport.

We want ice and winter swimming in Hungary to be a safe, well-organised sport open to everyone: with a strong domestic calendar, international results, and more and more people entering cold water well prepared. This page sums up the goals we build the sport around.

Our official purpose

Within Hungary, the association directs, organises and supervises activity in ice and winter swimming (the discipline), contributes to the sports tasks defined in Act I of 2004 on Sport, its Statutes and other legislation, and represents the interests of its sport and its members. It organises and runs competitions and events that aim to make healthy living accessible to everyone, mainly through ice and winter swimming.

The full statutes are on the Documents page.

Our focus areas

Safety first

Cold water puts real strain on the body: every other goal only makes sense within safe conditions. This applies to beginners and champions alike.

  • Common rules

    Drawing up and enforcing common rules for Hungarian competitions and events, in line with the IISA medical and safety regulations.

  • Medical fitness

    A clear system of medical checks, developed together with healthcare professionals. Current requirements: Health requirements.

  • Informed preparation

    Explaining the risks and rules of cold-water swimming clearly, for beginners and experienced swimmers alike. See: Safety.

  • Well-prepared staff

    A trained safety officer, lifeguards and medical staff at every competition and event.

A transparent competition system

A predictable calendar, international rules and public results: this is how ice swimming can become a fully fledged competitive sport in Hungary too.

  • National calendar

    Domestic competitions announced in advance and coordinated with each other, with consistent entry information. Current calendar: Competitions.

  • International rules

    Hungarian competitions follow the IISA rules, so results are comparable internationally. Summary: Competitor guide.

  • National championship

    In the longer term, a national championship, age-group rankings and a domestic ranking list.

  • Public results

    Competition results and the achievements of Hungarian swimmers in one place: Results, Swimmers.

International presence

As a member of the International Ice Swimming Association (IISA), the association represents Hungarian ice and winter swimmers.

  • Hungarian team

    Transparent selection principles, and support for the Hungarian team's preparation and international appearances.

  • International events at home

    Hosting international competitions in Hungary, so Hungarian swimmers can race the world's best at home.

  • Ice Mile and long distance

    Professional support for Ice Mile and long-distance ice swims, and help with ratification.

  • Representation

    Representing Hungarian interests in international organisations, in shaping the rules and the international calendar.

Those who have already done a lot for this: Hall of Fame.

Community and new talent

Ice swimming is a community sport: without groups, clubs and associations there is no new talent and no safe start.

  • Strong member clubs

    Professional and organisational support for clubs and associations, and bringing in new member organisations. Our members: About us.

  • Groups across the country

    Organised groups in as many places as possible, for beginners to join. Groups near you: Teams and cold-water spots.

  • Well-prepared beginners

    A gradual, well-prepared introduction to cold-water swimming. First steps: Getting started.

  • Young swimmers

    Bringing young people into the sport under professional supervision, in ways suited to their age group.

  • Para athletes

    Supporting para athletes to compete, with accessible venues. Details: Para athletes.

Training and expertise

Safe, high-quality competitions need well-prepared people on the poolside too.

  • Officials

    Training and certifying Hungarian officials based on the international rules.

  • Seconds

    Preparing seconds for their role. What a second does: Your second.

  • Coaches and group leaders

    Passing on cold-water training methods and group-leading skills.

  • Event organisers

    An organiser's guide and sharing experience, so every Hungarian competition meets the same standard.

  • Science and healthcare

    Working with doctors, universities and researchers to better understand the physiological effects of cold-water swimming.

Healthy living for everyone

Under our statutes, our aim is to make healthy living accessible to everyone through ice and winter swimming.

  • Open events

    Group swims, demonstrations and open days where newcomers can get to know the sport under professional supervision.

  • Reliable information

    Clear, well-founded information for the press and social media, including against exaggerated or dangerous claims.

  • Partnerships

    Working with local councils, lidos, spas, water sports centres and supporters for training and competition venues.

  • Clean waters

    Protecting natural waters and their shores, and environmentally conscious events.

Transparent governance

  • Public documents

    The statutes, regulations and reports are available to everyone: Documents.

  • Involving our members

    Regularly asking member organisations and swimmers for their views before important decisions.

  • Supporters and grants

    Bringing in grant and sponsor funding, and using it transparently.

Questions or suggestions about the association's goals? Write to us.

Goals · Hungarian Ice and Winter Swimming Association