Russian Dad’s Icy Plunge with Toddler Sparks Heated Online Debate
Russian Dad’s Icy Plunge with Toddler Sparks Heated Online Debate
A video of a father immersing his 1-year-old son in freezing water in Russia has ignited a massive online debate. The man, a seasoned winter swimmer, chose to introduce his toddler to the icy tradition despite the boy’s tender age.
Video Details
The footage, published on the “Walruses of Surgut | Health Center ‘Iceberg'” club’s VKontakte page, quickly went viral. The video’s creator proudly dubs the boy the “youngest walrus,” but not everyone was a fan of this approach.
The video shows the dad carrying his son to an ice hole in bone-chilling temperatures, around -30 degrees Celsius. Steam can be seen rising from their bodies, suggesting they had been in a sauna beforehand. A voice off-camera mentions the boy’s name and age before the father and son dive into the icy water together, submerging three times. The child starts to whimper after a few seconds, and the dad quickly exits the water.
Public Reaction
The post triggered a wave of reactions, with commenters engaged in a heated debate. Some users criticized the act as a cruel experiment, demanding the father be held accountable. Others defended him, arguing that gradual cold exposure can be beneficial if done correctly and under supervision. The big question remains: Can a child that young safely handle such extreme conditions, even if the family is experienced in cold therapy?
Expert Response
Amid the backlash, Azamat Yakupov, head of the Iceberg Health Center, defended the father. He stated that such immersions are considered safe within the club as long as all guidelines are followed. According to Yakupov, the father has been winter swimming for over eight years, and the child has done similar dips before. He emphasized that the father and son went straight to a sauna after the dip and that the boy showed no signs of distress. Yakupov also noted that the family follows established methods and is not doing this solely for a dramatic video.
However, medical experts warn that dunking young kids in icy water is still highly controversial. Children under two cannot fully regulate their body temperature, and sudden temperature changes can lead to hypothermia, vascular spasms, and severe stress. Even if the child seems calm, long-term effects like colds, respiratory issues, or nervous reactions might appear later. Pediatricians stress that any hardening should be gradual, gentle, and age-appropriate, with extreme methods being unsuitable for most adults, let alone young children.
Safety Reminders
Experts also highlight safety concerns as Epiphany approaches on January 19, a time when thousands across the country take icy dips. Doctors see cases of frostbite, sudden health declines, and even hospitalizations every year. Medical professionals advise against unprepared adults suddenly plunging into freezing water and strongly discourage parents from involving children in such rituals. Instead, they recommend starting with simple and safe steps like air baths, contrast face washing, and gradually reducing water temperature during baths. Any radical methods require a consultation with a pediatrician and strict monitoring of the child’s condition.
