In Lithuania, winter swimming is on the rise as more people embrace the practice for its health benefits. Advocates like Nina Puteikienė from Klaipėda have shared their personal experiences, noting that cold water immersion can improve one’s resistance to illness and enhance mental well-being. Puteikienė has been swimming in the Baltic Sea year-round, beginning in early spring and continuing even during the winter months after sauna sessions.

Puteikienė encourages others to gradually acclimate to the cold water starting in the fall. According to her, this preparation can be done at home and makes it easier to handle the icy waters in winter. She recalls her initial challenges after moving from Vilnius to Klaipėda, where she often fell ill due to the different climate. However, after incorporating winter swimming into her routine, she began feeling healthier and more resilient against the cold.

The growing community of winter swimming enthusiasts is promoting not only physical health but also mental wellness, as participants report feeling euphoric after their swims. This local phenomenon points to a shift in how cold exposure is perceived, transitioning from skepticism in traditional medicine to acceptance and encouragement among the public. As winter swimming continues to gain traction, it reflects a broader trend of seeking unconventional methods for health improvement in Lithuania.