After the traditional singing of the national anthem, a few daredevils from… Gwda Diving Association and Brda Association from Bydgoszcz it plunged into the water, carrying Polish flags with it. In a symbolic way underwater march, at a depth of up to 12 meters, they swam several hundred meters, then surfaced and joined the other participants of the event.
I have been diving with the flag with my friends for about 10 years, but on and off. Annually, cyclically for four years. The idea was spontaneous. I invented it together with Jacek Jackowiak.
Leszek SkwaraGwda Diving Association
Traditional Polish delicacies were already waiting on the shore: żurek, St. Martin’s croissants and cake. There was also hot tea with lemon to warm up the audience. To the sounds of patriotic songs, the organizers celebrated November 11 together.
[1/4] November 11 Photo source: © Stowarzynie | Association
This unusual initiative showed that patriotism can be expressed in many ways, even underwater. Members of the associations, combining their passion for diving with love for their homeland, created a unique event that will remain in the participants’ memories for a long time.
Underwater Patriotism: A Dive into Polish National Pride
So there we were, just your average November 11th, with people cozying up with hot tea and some cheeky St. Martin’s croissants on the shores of Bydgoszcz—because let’s face it, nothing says “I love my country” quite like a few carbs and a lovely cuppa! But wait, what’s happening? A group of daredevils from the Gwda Diving Association and the Brda Association decided to take their love for Poland underwater. Literally!
Now, I’ve seen many things in my life, but swimming with a Polish flag at a depth of 12 meters while singing about your homeland—that’s a new one! These brave souls took the plunge, and I don’t mean just metaphorically. To the delight of the onlookers, they embarked on what can only be described as an underwater march of epic proportions (or perhaps just a very enthusiastic swim with patriotic flair).
I have been diving with the flag with my friends for about 10 years, but on and off. Annually, cyclically for four years. The idea was spontaneous. I invented it together with Jacek Jackowiak.
Leszek Skwara, Gwda Diving Association
Ah, the spontaneity of a great idea! It’s like deciding, on a whim in a pub, to take a dive—literally—into the deep end of life (and by life, I mean a lake decorated with national flags). And let’s not forget about the Polish delicacies waiting on shore. Because if you’re not toasting your patriotism with a steaming bowl of żurek, then are you really celebrating?
A Dive into National Pride
It’s refreshing to see such a quirky display of patriotism. I mean, who needs parades when you can have a bunch of goggled warriors battling the underwater depths? This unusual initiative is a reminder that love for one’s country can manifest in the most unexpected ways. Did Shakespeare ever write about the Bard of the Bottom of the Lake? No, well, maybe he should have!
As the sounds of patriotic songs echoed through the air, the participants of this aquatic adventure proved that you can dive deep into your national pride, quite literally. And let’s be honest—if you can swim with your flag while keeping a straight face, you deserve a medal. Or at the very least, a hot tea and a slice of cake to warm up after your undulating national display.
Creative Spontaneity
The beauty of such initiatives lies in their spontaneous nature. Who would’ve thought that a simple idea thought up by Leszek and Jacek could morph into such an iconic event? Just a couple of mates deciding to combine their passion for diving with a dash of nationalism, and voilà—a tradition is born! It’s like if your mates decided to have a barbecue and ended up creating an entire festival. “Let’s dive!” they said; “How far?” they asked. “With flags!” they answered—what an absolute winner.
As history unfolds, we continue to find innovative and sometimes downright bizarre ways to express what it means to be patriotic. So here’s to the aquatic patriots! Here’s to another dive into the history books—hopefully without any water-logged flags and embarrassing cannonballs!
Ultimately, diving or dancing, with food or flags, the essence of community and love for one’s country prevails. Let’s raise our cups—filled with hot tea or perhaps something a bit stronger—and toast to the creative spirits who bring us all a little closer to home, even when we’re submerged!
How did the underwater patriotism event in Bydgoszcz foster a sense of community among the divers and spectators?
**Interview with Leszek Skwara about the Underwater Patriotism Event in Bydgoszcz**
**Editor:** Welcome, Leszek! Thank you for joining us today. We’ve just heard about an incredible event where members of the Gwda Diving Association and the Brda Association took part in an underwater march on November 11. Can you tell us more about what inspired this unique celebration of Polish patriotism?
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you for having me! The idea of diving with the national flag actually started as a spontaneous concept that I developed with Jacek Jackowiak about four years ago. I’ve been diving with friends for around ten years, and we agreed that this would be a wonderful way to express our love for Poland while combining our passion for diving.
**Editor:** That sounds fantastic! What was the experience like for you and your fellow divers during the event?
**Leszek Skwara:** It was truly exhilarating! We swam at a depth of up to 12 meters, carrying Polish flags and swimming several hundred meters as if we were marching underwater. The sensation of being submerged with the flag, feeling its weight and flow as we moved, was both challenging and rewarding. We could see the excitement of the onlookers on the surface, which added to the atmosphere.
**Editor:** It seems like a memorable display of patriotism. How did the participants and spectators react to this unique initiative?
**Leszek Skwara:** The reactions were overwhelmingly positive! Many people were touched by the symbolic nature of our underwater march. After surfacing, we joined everyone on the shore where traditional Polish delicacies—such as żurek and St. Martin’s croissants—were waiting. The warmth of the food, combined with the sounds of patriotic songs, created a heartfelt environment for everyone involved.
**Editor:** Combining diving with Polish traditions certainly puts a unique twist on celebrations, doesn’t it? How do you think this event reflects on the notion of patriotism today?
**Leszek Skwara:** Absolutely! This initiative shows that patriotism can be expressed in diverse ways. We’re used to seeing parades and ceremonies, but here, we proved that even something as unconventional as an underwater march can be a powerful symbol of national pride. It brings communities together and reminds us that love for our country can inspire creativity, no matter the setting.
**Editor:** Lastly, do you believe this event will influence future celebrations of Polish Independence Day?
**Leszek Skwara:** I certainly hope so! We’ve started a conversation about how we can creatively express our patriotism. If it inspires more events that highlight our love for Poland in unique ways, then it will have been a success. I’m excited to see how this evolves in the years to come!
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Leszek. Your passion for diving and your country is truly inspiring!
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to discuss this with you.
