Over 1,400 swimmers have descended upon Mielno, near Koszalin, northern Poland, for the 7th International “Walrus” Rally.

The name “walrus” comes from the Polish, which uses the term for people who thrive on sea swimming in low, even sub-zero, temperatures.

Many of the swimmers have come from across Europe, but some have come from other continents, such as Africa.

At midday today the so-called “walruses” went for a swim in the Baltic Sea.

Orgainsers this year hope to break a Guinness world record for the number of people bathing in the same place simultaneously.

Over 580 swimmers are to take the plunge into the Baltic, hoping to break a record set on 1 January 2009 in the USA, when 579 people went swimming simultaneously.

The rally is also hosting a number of competitions, including the much coveted titles of ‘Mr and Mrs Walrus’. (jb)