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Tengrinews.kz – A resident of Astana captured attention online after swimming in the icy Yesil River, sparking discussions about water safety and winter swimming.
In a video shared on Threads, the swimmer, identified as Nurlan, dives into the river despite near-zero temperatures.
“Let’s go swimming? 0 degrees. October 9,” he wrote.
Nurlan is a member of a local winter swimming club, known as a “walrus club”, and swims every morning between 6:00 and 10:00 at designated city beaches.
The Astana Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control confirmed that the water is generally safe, although not perfectly clean. Regular laboratory checks of water and sand quality are conducted from May to September at public swimming areas. The department emphasized that no acute poisoning risks exist, but visitors should shower immediately after swimming and avoid drinking river water.
Officially, the swimming season in Astana runs from June 1 to August 31. However, under an agreement with the winter swimming club, members are allowed to use the beach from September 1 to June 1, with the club responsible for ensuring safety and providing oversight during these hours.
Designated swimming areas include:
- “Stolichny Dvor” Beach
- “Armina” residential area, Kuigenzhar
- City park beach
- Municipal beach near Beysekova Street bridge
- “Three Gudgeon” beach, Koktal-1 residential area
Swimming outside of these designated areas or in places marked “No Swimming” is prohibited. Nurlan noted that despite some criticism regarding “dirty water”, he has swum in the Yesil since childhood and finds the conditions safe.
