Balaton Warnings and Dangers

2 more images

Pay attention to storm warnings, because storms from nothern direction of the Bakony Hills can strike unexpectedly and very quickly on Lake Balaton.
On the Lake generally 2-3 metres long waves can be observed, and merely in a strong wind observable more than 7-8 metres.
The altitude is very seldom over the 1,5 metres, these may be exceptional dangerous though, because above the surface approximately 1 m tall of water curtain takes shape.
In this layer the water content of the air may be so high, that the lung of the man swimming in the water fills up with water, and may be gasping for breath after a time!!!!!!
Altogether 17 people lost their life in the lake in 2007.

Between April 1 and October 30 there is a storm warning service at the lake signaling oncoming storms. Beacons installed around Lake Balaton give warnings of the expected strength of wind with an orange flashing light in two degrees.
- 30 flashes a minute, yellow-white, means a wind as strong as 40-60 km/h,
- 60 flashes a minute, red-white, means that the strength of the wind is stronger than 60 km/h.
At the sign yellow-white the little ships and windsurfs can only sail offshore, but if the sign turns red they must withdraw into the landing place. The bigger sailing ships are permitted to stay on the open water at their peril.

Storm warning operating costs cca. 30 million HUF annually.

1 more image

How the Bather may contribute to the protection of his own health and the water quality of the Lake.

I. Do not jump into water with overheated body, cool down yourself first !
II. Have a shower before swimming if possible!
III. Use the toilette before bath and make the little children also to do it so.
IV. Make your skin regulary accustomed to sun bathing.!
V. Protect yourself with sun lotion against the harmful rays of the sun.
VI. Go to shade during strong sunshine (between 11 a.m. 3 p.m.), protect your skin from strong sun radiation, protect your head – especially children’s head – from sunstroke.
VII. Do not fall asleep on an inflatable mattrass, it can be easily blown away
VIII. Put the rubbish, wastes always to an ordinary collection container.
IX. Do not pour sewage water, dirty water into the lake!
X. Do not wash your car with the water of the lake!

With the exception of a few private lakes, one can only fish in Hungary with the possession of a state license and a local license.
Those tourists who wish to try their luck and fish in Hungarian waters, the following procedure is a must:
If you have a fishing license in your own country, bring it with you because it substitutes the Hungarian state fishing license; you only have to buy the local license for the specific water.
If you do not have a fishing license at home, you have to join one of the Hungarian Fishing Clubs. The annual fee is usually around 10-15 €. Following this procedure, you can visit the chosen lake or river and purchase the local license.

According to the anglers' experiences fish are increasingly less in Balaton in the last couple of years, because of the fishing companies.

Around the Lake there is an extensive storm warning system. Just check the lamps located in every port and pier. If they flash fast, it's better to stay close to the shore. If they happen to flas very fast, you better leave the Lake, unless you like to swim in the waves like I do :)