What is an "Ice Mile"?

According to the International Ice Swimming Association, the rules for properly swimming an ice mile is:

Swimming unassisted, using only the following equipment:

  1. a single, water permeable swimsuit (no wetsuit)
  2. Silicon swim cap
  3. Goggles
  4. Ear plugs
  5. Channel grease (for protection from chaffing) - which is essential for swimming in the Great Salt Lake

In a water temperature that is 41°F (5°C) or less in open water

  • Water temperature must be taken by three separate thermometers to ensure accuracy of reading

That spans the distance of one full mile

  • Thus it isn't about how long you are in the water, but how fast you can swim a mile at that temperature.

In order to successfully complete this quest, an EKG from a Dr is required beforehand (Here's mine), and the swimmer must be familiar with winter swimming and properly acclimatize him/herself to cold water swimming.  The swim must be accompanied by appropriate safety staff, and swim observers that can validate that the swim conforms to the above standards.