They braved the cold and the wind to jump into the water. This Saturday, at the end of the afternoon, 28 swimmers set off from the quay at Place Carnot, in Creil, to take part in the 48th edition of the Traversée de l’Oise organized by the Rescuers of the Oise. “Historically, the idea is to show that anyone is capable of jumping into the water to save a life,” recalls Alexis Derache, head of the Creil section of the Oise Rescuers association. But over time, times were added for a little more spice and competition. »
This year, it is once again Arnaud Fontane, lifeguard and lifeguard in Creil, who wins the event, with a sixth victory in as many participations.
For Enzo and Hugo, both 19 years old, it was a great first. “Not too stressed? “, they are asked before departure. “No it’s fine,” smiles the first. “In the end, it’s a hundred meters”, adds the second. Coming from Dunkirk (North), the young men are lifeguards at sea. “We are used to swimming in rough water”, slips Enzo.
Caroline would have preferred colder
Hectic certainly, but almost not cool enough for Caroline. Initially scheduled for December 17, the crossing was finally postponed. “At that time, it was 3 degrees,” said the 42-year-old swimmer, not hiding some disappointment. “Eight degrees is cold but it’s not the same thing. I was really prepared for extreme conditions this time around. »
After two participations in 2019 and 2021, she had set up specific training for this edition. “I bought a swimming pool that I installed this fall in my garden and in which I swim two to three times a week, says the forty-year-old. In December, we even had to break through a layer of ice that had formed there and the water was at 0.9 degrees! It’s very difficult and painful, but surpassing oneself is what we are looking for. »