As a key partner of the 43rd LIDL Balaton Crossing, Yettel – together with event organizer Budapest Sport Office (BSI) – conducted a joint survey* to gain insight into the habits of the Hungarian swimming community. Almost two-thirds of respondents swim at least once a week, while a third swim several times a week. More than half use a smart or sports watch while swimming, though digital devices like waterproof headphones or AR swimming goggles remain less common.
Thanks to regular swimming, respondents reported a broad range of benefits. These include stress relief and mood enhancement (76%), improved physical fitness (68%), increased endurance (61%), and reduced pain – especially in the back or joints (29%). A quarter of respondents also noted improvements in posture, sleep quality, and weight control.
Enjoyable exercise or just counting laps?
The survey also explored what swimmers think about during longer swims. A majority focus on counting distance or laps (53%), concentrating on technique and breathing (49%), or simply relaxing and enjoying the movement (46%). About 40% say they think about upcoming tasks – ranging from family, friends and work to daily errands – while swimming.
Age also plays a role: swimmers aged 40–59 are more likely to focus on their surroundings, the joy of movement, while those under 39 tend to concentrate on counting laps or completing tasks. One in ten swimmers admits to thinking about their post-swim treat – what they’ll eat or drink afterward. The same proportion wonder why they even signed up for the event in the first place – a thought more common among women and participants under thirty.
Most come back for more
The survey specifically focused on those planning to participate in this year’s Balaton Crossing. The most popular option is the classic 5.2 km full Balaton swim, though participants can also choose the 2.6 km half-distance or cross the lake using a SUP.
Two thirds of participants are not first-timers. So, what keeps them coming back? For three-quarters, the event is a personal challenge. Others are motivated by previous successful completions of the distance before (36%), the encouragement to stay active (34%), or the natural beauty of Lake Balaton (33%). Health reasons are cited by 31% – especially those over 40 – while 30% say they simply enjoy taking part in sporting events. Interestingly, men are more likely cite athletic performance, while women are more inclined to say they “just want to see if they can handle a longer distance”.
Support and sharing matter
While 80% of participants say they’re self-motivated, most also value the support of others. Three in ten are cheered on by family and two in ten by friends. After completing the swim, sharing the achievement is just as important: first with a partner (40%), followed by parents or children (31%). One in ten swimmers shares the news immediately on social media upon reaching the shore.
Almost all respondents plan to share their achievement via their mobile phone – whether in a Facebook or Instagram post (42%), mobile or video call (38%), Facebook or Insta story (29%), or a text messaging app (28%). As a key partner of the Balaton Crossing, Yettel once again provides a high-speed, reliable network to support real-time sharing during the event. The operator continues to modernize its network across Lake Balaton and throughout Hungary year-round.
* The Yettel survey was completed by 530 participants between 12 May and 2 June 2025. The online questionnaire link was shared by BSI via the official Facebook page of the 43rd LIDL Balaton Crossing and in a newsletter.