Low Water on Lake Balaton: Special Pier for the Swim Across 🌊

The low water level of Lake Balaton this year also poses a serious challenge for the lakeside settlements, especially for the organizers of the Lidl Balaton Swim Across on July 18. According to the organizers, the swim itself is not in danger, but due to the safe docking of the motor boats transporting the participants' equipment, a temporary giant pier must be built near the Révfülöp shore. 🌊

Experts are currently measuring how long the pier needs to be so that the boats can dock smoothly. This solution directly affects Révfülöp, where the start traditionally takes place, as well as Balatonboglár on the opposite shore, where the finish awaits the swimmers. The distance between the two shores remains unchanged, but on the southern side, due to the shallow water, the swimmers' feet already touch bottom about 100 meters earlier, and this section is expected to lengthen further in the coming weeks.

The event organized by Budapest Sportiroda (BSI) will be the largest open-water swimming competition on Lake Balaton in recent years, and registration is already fully booked. Participants' comfort is supported by free BAHART boat transfers and a luggage storage system: the belongings of starters from Révfülöp are taken to Balatonboglár, and those from Balatonboglár to Révfülöp, with more than thirty round trips. Separate depots are set up for cyclists on both shores.

This logistical solution demonstrates how the Balaton lakeside settlements and organizers adapt to the increasingly frequent low water levels while ensuring an enjoyable experience for the several thousand participants. 🏊

Source: telex.hu