A winter swimmer trapped beneath an ice layer in Zhangjiakou, Hebei, has unfortunately passed away. Why is self-rescue so challenging when someone is trapped under ice? Experts weigh in.

•6 min read
A winter swimmer trapped beneath an ice layer in Zhangjiakou, Hebei, has unfortunately passed away. Why is self-rescue so challenging when someone is trapped under ice? Experts weigh in.
On January 4, several netizens posted videos claiming that a winter swimming enthusiast in Zhangjiakou, Hebei, became trapped beneath the ice while swimming. As of the morning of January 5, rescue efforts were still ongoing. A professional told reporters that swimming under ice is entirely different from swimming in open water, making self-rescue extremely challenging—primarily due to limited visibility and the cold temperatures beneath the ice.On the afternoon of the 5th, reporters learned from local sources that the trapped individuals had been rescued and brought ashore by emergency personnel earlier in the day—but unfortunately, they were already without vital signs.

According to media reports, a widely circulated video shows multiple rescuers cutting through the icy water surface to carry out the rescue, while crowds have gathered along the shore. Meanwhile, several fire trucks are parked on the roadside, their lights flashing in the darkness.(Previously reported)

Local merchants told reporters that the incident occurred along the Zhangjiakou City Exhibition Hall section of the Qing Shui River. Firefighters were continuously working on the ice to rescue the victim from around 2:15 p.m. to 4 or 5 p.m. that afternoon. Meanwhile, several local residents shared that the person trapped was reportedly a winter-swimming enthusiast who ventured beneath the ice while swimming.


Staff from Zhangjiakou City's multi-level emergency departments said they have no information on the situation. Local police declined to disclose details of the case, citing confidentiality concerns. Earlier, the local emergency rescue team told media that they had already arrived at the scene to begin rescue operations.

On the morning of the 5th, a source close to the emergency rescue team revealed that the location of the trapped individuals has been largely confirmed. As of 11 a.m., ice-breaking operations are still underway, and the search-and-rescue efforts continue unabated.

On the afternoon of the 5th, reporters learned from local sources that the trapped individuals had been rescued and brought ashore by emergency personnel earlier in the day—but unfortunately, they were already without vital signs.


Winter swimming requires caution.

Winter swimming carries certain risks, so extra caution is needed when swimming during the colder months.

On November 29, 2024, an internet user reported that a large crowd had gathered near No. 219 Park in Anshan, Liaoning. The incident began when a locally known swimming enthusiast—possibly due to factors like the water being too cold—suddenly felt unwell. After being pulled ashore by a few friends, he lost consciousness.
In February 2023, a winter swimming enthusiast jumped into the water without proper preparation, staying in for too long and suffering from hypothermia—narrowly escaping with his life. Fortunately, he was promptly rescued by a chain of concerned citizens who worked together to revive him, ultimately saving his life.


In 2022, a 38-year-old man from Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region dared to jump into an icy river on February 5, even asking his wife to film the daring stunt—only for him to tragically drown right in front of her.

The next day, rescuers found his body about 21 meters from the riverbank, at a depth of 3.9 meters.


In November 2021, three elderly individuals were winter swimming on the north bank of the Songhua River in Yilan when a sudden drop in temperature left them in distress in the river. Witnesses said rescuers managed to pull two of them to safety, but unfortunately, one person lost their life. The two who were taken to the hospital are currently out of danger. Local officials noted that the surface of the Songhua River was not yet frozen at the time, with large ice floes drifting along with the current.


There was once an attempt by foreign explorers to take on the challenge of swimming beneath ice—swimming from one hole to another just 10 meters away. However, after swimming only a few meters, they lost their sense of direction. Despite guidance from their companions on the ice, they couldn’t regain the right path and eventually had to grab the safety rope to pull themselves to safety.

Science communicators point out that light beneath the ice is extremely faint—typically allowing only minimal natural illumination to penetrate. Moreover, as light bends when passing between water and ice, swimmers can struggle to determine their direction. Additionally, due to both light refraction and ice reflection, swimmers may experience visual illusions, mistakenly believing the exit lies in one direction when, in reality, it could be in the opposite. The transparency and structure of the ice layer can further obscure the exit, making it appear less visible or even completely hidden beneath the surface.

Underwater currents and eddies can also shift a swimmer’s position, making it even harder to find the exit. When swimming beneath ice, swimmers may feel tense and anxious due to the unfamiliar surroundings and potential dangers, which can impair their ability to think clearly and make sound decisions.

A staff member from Harbin City’s Blue Sky Rescue Team told reporters that swimming under ice is entirely different from swimming in open water—once someone gets into trouble beneath the ice, self-rescue becomes extremely challenging. This is mainly due to factors like poor visibility, freezing temperatures, and strong underwater currents, all of which can severely impair a swimmer's ability to assess the situation. Typically, rescue operations under ice require the use of safety ropes, so amateurs should never attempt this without proper training and equipment.

Winter Swimming Guidelines

Winter swimming is a swimming activity practiced during the colder months, typically performed in icy waters during winter.

Swimming in cold water triggers a series of physiological changes, including increased blood circulation and boosted metabolism. These effects become especially pronounced when the water temperature drops to between 4°C and 8°C.

Rational winter swimming can boost immunity, strengthen cardiovascular function, benefit the respiratory system, and even improve mood—but it’s not suitable for everyone!

Winter swimming can pose life-threatening risks, including cold shock, pulmonary edema, heart problems, and even drowning!

When trying winter swimming, it’s crucial to make informed decisions based on your personal health condition—and always prioritize safety above all else. The following groups should avoid winter swimming:

Individuals with, but not limited to, severe hypertension, heart disease, cerebrovascular disorders, acute nephritis, cirrhosis, diabetes, allergic conditions, or those currently recovering from injuries or inflammatory states, as well as individuals with a tendency toward alcohol abuse, should avoid participating in winter swimming.

When winter swimming, you should go with a companion and choose a safe area between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., ideally one supervised by lifeguards and certified as having properly tested water quality. Additionally, make sure that lifesaving equipment is available on-site, and consider learning essential first-aid skills beforehand.

Before entering the water, perform appropriate warm-up exercises. After exiting, quickly dry off and stay warm, followed by gentle massage and restorative movements to help your body regain its temperature. Avoid frequent exposure to cold water environments.


Source: Ningbo Daily

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