Can you get lost during the swim?
Don’t worry, even if you don’t follow the crowd, you can’t get lost. Sailboats will be positioned every 50 metres on the right-hand side of the course and kayakers and lifeguards will keep an eye on swimmers on the left-hand side. For those swimming the full distance (5.2 km), the finish gate is visible from the start, making it easy to keep your bearings as you swim. For those swimming the half distance (2.6 km), a corridor will be set up at the first half of the course and they can swim the second half together with the full distance swimmers.
How will your bag be transported from Révfülöp to Balatonboglár?
Swimming can be made difficult by even the slightest extra weight, so it’s not a good idea to carry anything other than a swimsuit, goggles and a cap. However, this may raise the question of how to get your clothes and other belongings from one side of Lake Balaton to the other. Luckily, you don’t have to swim back for your slippers, as you can leave your bag at the “Bag Check” tent in Révfülöp before you leave. A number and a code will be added to each competitor’s wristband, which they can then show to collect their bag at the finish in Balatonboglár.
How do you get back to the start?
It may happen that you want to return to the start. There will be a continuous ferry service between Balatonboglár and Révfülöp during the event. The boats will leave when they are full. Competitors can use the boat once free of charge on presentation of their entry confirmation or a certificate obtained on site.
How can you call your loved ones?
One of the best times to share your achievement with your loved ones is right after finishing the race. But what if they can’t make it to the venue or are stuck at the start? With Yettel, you can stay in touch with your family and friends throughout the event, even of you do not have your mobile phone with you. The operator will set up 5G MobilPoints in Révfülöp and Balatonboglár, where you can call your loved ones immediately after the race. Participants’ wristbands will also display the phone numbers of their most important contacts, so they don't have to remember them and can concentrate on swimming. Family members waiting in Balatonboglár and race participants can relax in the “Recharge” chill zone, where they can also take part in a special AI photo activity or even charge their mobile phones during the race.
What to do if you get tired during the swim?
Although it sounds scary to think about what happens when you get tired in the middle of Lake Balaton, it’s much more common than you might think. Most people swim the 5.2 km distance in 2.5 to 3.5 hours, so it is no surprising that many people will want to take a break or quench their thirst in the hot sun. This is not a problem as you can take a break and get some glucose and water on the sailboats at the side of the course.
Yettel is the main partner of the 42nd LIDL Balaton Crossing which takes place on 20 July[1]. The mobile operator develops its network around Lake Balaton all year round, and during the competition it will also ensure that the mobile network is ready for the challenge, so that everyone can reach their loved ones as soon as they finish the course.
[1] The BSI organizing team will inform you of organization details or potential cancellation due to bad weather 2 days before the event, at noon on 18 July. Planned rain dates: 21 July, 27 July, 28 July, 3 August, 4 August, 10 August, 11 August.