As 2026 reaches its halfway point, a group of Australian scientists have jumped into the icy Antarctic waters to take part in the annual midwinter swim. The event is a way for scientists to reflect on their scientific journey and achievements ahead of the winter solstice.
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TRANSCRIPT
If you live in Antarctica, swimming is likely to be the last activity you'd be up for.
But expeditioners at the Casey Station have been waving saws and using an excavator to create a swimming pool for themselves.
It's a move that even Justine Thompson, the leader of Casey Station, is questioning the purpose of.
"What were you saying? Questioning life choices. That we are choosing voluntarily to go into minus two water on a minus 20 degree day. Yes."
The midwinter swim is a traditional event held on the Day of WInter Solstice.
Prior to the day, Antarctica goes through months of darkness - the Winter Solstice marks the return of longer days in Antarctica.
For Australian expeditioners, the midwinter swim is not only a celebration of changing weather, but also a chance to reflect on those who have come before them, as well as their achievements while being isolated from the rest of world.
David Buller is the leader of the Mawson Research Station.
"Part of what we do as part of those commemorations is to do this stuff. Preparing an ice hole, to swim in, and the water down below is about 1 and a half metres worth of sea ice, water down below is around minus two degrees, so we are going to have a great time."
Over 100 Australians are stationed over the long winter months at Australian Antarctic Program stations in Antarctica and on Macquarie Island.
Each of them have to go through a selection process that lasts for months.
Applicants are required to not only be at the top of their field, but they also need qualities such as emotional intelligence to support themselves and other teammates during the long, dark days of isolation on the ice.
And all of these make the Midwinter Swim more than a celebration in cold waters.
