Shocking new video footage captures the moment a father lowers his one-year-old son into a freezing -30C ice bath. The video, widely shared on Russian social media, features dad Radmir Gaysarov, 31, immersing his 16-month-old child into a Siberian ice opening.
While some parents have commended the father for toughening up his son, medical professionals have criticized the health risks associated with exposing such a young child to extreme cold conditions. The incident occurred in -30C temperatures with the water just above freezing point.
Ice swimming is highly favored in Russian culture, with some believing in its benefits even for infants. Comments on the video expressed approval, with one father stating, “This is how we raise resilient kids,” and a mother expressing interest in teaching her child the practice.
Following the dip in Surgut, the child received a ‘Walrus’ medal from an ice swimming club. In the video, the father proudly names his 16-month-old son Martin, highlighting his achievement as the youngest participant in the activity.
Despite the positive reception from the local community, medical experts have cautioned against such extreme practices on young children. Rita Pikhtovnikova, a Russian pediatric cardiologist, emphasized the stress that icy water immersion can place on an immature cardiovascular system, potentially leading to serious health complications.
According to Kremlin health ministry guidelines, any ice-dipping activities should be supervised and gradual, with participants using officially designated ice holes. Dr. Galina Slobodina, a general practitioner, strongly advised against subjecting children of this age to cold hardening practices, placing the responsibility on parents to prioritize their child’s well-being over potentially harmful activities.