More than 2,000 swimmers from 16 countries took to the icy waters off Dalian on Saturday for the opening of the city's 2005 International Winter Swimming Festival. Accompanied by shouts of encouragement, men and women plunged into the sea at Dalian's Golden Pebble Beach, in northeast China's Liaoning Province. The beach is the winter base for the China Swimming Association, and although it is not yet winter the water is very cold. After stripping off thick coats to reveal swimming costumes underneath, the assembled masses took the plunge. Most swimmers headed ashore after about 10 minutes; some, suffering cramp and other problems, spent even less time at sea. The four-day festival features a swimming contest, a seminar on the science related to winter swimming, and exhibitions of paintings, calligraphy and photography. This is the fourth year the city has held the annual event. Dalian's swimming association has more than 20,000 registered members. Proponents say winter swimming enhances health and longevity and boosts immunity. (Source:China Daily )

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