Hungarian police have launched an investigation after a German tourist drowned in Lake Hévíz, a popular tourist destination in Hungary. Authorities say he attempted to swim in the thermal water in a prohibited area.

According to hvg.hu, the German national entered the lake’s outflow at a restricted point. The Zala County Police Headquarters said they were notified on 22 July that a body had been found in Lake Hévíz. It later emerged that the 41-year-old man had decided the previous evening to swim in the thermal water. However, he drowned for reasons that have yet to be determined. The Keszthely Police Department is investigating the circumstances of the incident.

lake hévíz german tourist
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Police have also warned that swimming is permitted only in designated areas. In other parts of the lake, swimmers may encounter hazards that are not immediately visible. “Complying with the rules is not an unnecessary obligation but serves to protect life. Unfortunately, tragedies occur every year that could have been prevented with a single responsible decision.”

According to Pénzcentrum, more than 40 people have already drowned in Hungary this year.

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