Looking for a unique way to escape the summer heat? You might want to consider joining the annual Sun Moon Lake swim the next time you come to Taiwan!
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The annual Sun Moon Lake Swimming Carnival began with the spectacular sight of over 22,000 swimmers jumping in to tackle the roughly 3-kilometer swim across the lake. Swimmers were fully equipped with various floatation devices, and organizers deployed boats and helicopters to ensure the safety of participants.
Asking swimmers why they joined the activity, one lady responded that this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Chinese internet celebrity Sean from Hangzhou said that the last time he visited Sun Moon Lake, he found it beautiful and asked if he could swim in the lake. Once he was told it was only allowed once a year during the annual crossing, he quickly asked a friend to help him sign up for the activity.
Former President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) attended the opening ceremony and also joined the swim. The 74-year-old former President said he would also join the event next year.
Nantou County Magistrate Hsu Shu-hua (許淑華) told reporters that this year's event was the 42nd time it had been held. Over 22,000 swimmers came from 38 countries and participants included 179 people with disabilities.
While many of us may prefer not to make waves in life, with the Sun Moon Lake swim happening only once a year, sometimes you just gotta dive right in.