Pursuant to the (amended) Ministry of the Interior Decree 46/2001 (XII. 27), a storm forecasting and storm warning service operates on Lake Balaton, Lake Velence, Lake Tisza and Lake Fertő every year from 1 April to 31 October.

Important information:

Monitoring storm warnings is important for your own and your family’s safety, whether you are on holiday, relaxing, taking part in leisure activities, or boating. Lake Balaton and our larger lakes generally have their own meteorological ecosystems, which may differ from what we are used to. Storm warning on Lake Balaton started on 8 July 1934, initiated by Alfréd Hille, aviation colonel and meteorologist, based on a government decision. The initial system of 15 warning stations indicated approaching storms with cannons and red signal baskets hoisted on masts; today, more than 50 stations provide warnings. On Lake Balaton, modern LED-based flashing units are used, while on Lake Tisza rotating beacon luminaires are used to ensure effective signaling.

First-level storm warning

(45 yellow flashes per minute) — please observe the following:

• Swimming, bathing, using inflatable or other water recreation equipment (SUP, inflatable boat, air mattress, etc.), pedal boats, and boating is only permitted within 500 meters of the shore.
• Find out locally where the storm warning stations are located. Helpful information can be found on notice boards posted at bathing areas and in local beach regulations.
• Weaker swimmers should bathe only in shallow water.
• Avoid using inflatable mattresses/boats etc. in windy conditions; and if the wind blows your equipment away, do not swim after it — it is not worth risking your life for a few thousand forints.

Second-level storm warning

(90 yellow flashes per minute) — please observe the following:

• This indicates the arrival of a potentially life-threatening storm within a short time; therefore, bathing is prohibited.
• Make every effort to get out of the water and onto shore as quickly and safely as possible.
• It is prohibited to use boats, pedal boats, or any other water recreation equipment (SUP, inflatable boat, air mattress, etc.).
• Expect water spray (“mist” over the surface), with very high humidity (80–90%) even 40–50 cm above the water surface.
• Waves will increase significantly, greatly raising the risk of drifting away or swallowing water.
• Pay special attention to children: after the second-level warning is issued, the storm may arrive shortly and can be life-threatening for them and for adults as well.

It is in everyone’s interest to follow the above rules and warnings.

Balatrönk is a community radio system created as part of the Balaton Information and Emergency Call System (BISR) to improve the safety of people on the water. It was developed by RSOE (National Association for Radio Emergency Calls and Infocommunications) and began to be deployed in 1998–1999, based on the model of the Danube system.

The system primarily supports water rescue, water policing, and community communications. It consists of multiple base stations accessible with dedicated devices. For this user group, it enables group communications, individual calls, emergency calls, and the transmission of traffic and weather information. Balatrönk also plays an important role during events on Lake Balaton, such as sailing competitions and lake swimming crossings.

The Balatrönk system is closely linked to storm warnings around Lake Balaton, as it provides communication between lifeguards, water police, and other related organizations. When the storm warning level changes, lifeguards at the affected beaches and boaters receive notifications via Balatrönk. This enables fast and effective responses in emergencies, for example if someone is put at risk on the water by a sudden storm.