Lake Sorapiss Tourist Defies Swimming Ban with Stand‑Up Paddle

On 2 August, a tourist carried a stand‑up paddle board (SUP) up to 1,923 m and paddled on Lake Sorapiss in the Dolomites, ignoring a long‑standing ban on swimming. The lake, famed for its turquoise waters, has been closed to bathing since a 2019 ordinance issued by Cortina d’Ampezzo mayor Giampietro Ghedina, which imposes fines of up to €500 for violations. The incident has reignited debate over disrespectful tourism in the alpine region, with local officials warning that increasing numbers of visitors are littering and engaging in unsafe behaviour.

Authorities are considering stricter enforcement measures to protect the fragile environment and preserve the lake’s natural beauty, which has become a popular subject on social‑media platforms.