Sun Moon Lake International Swimming Festival to host 21,700 participants

The 44th Sun Moon Lake International Swimming Festival is scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 20, 2026. Nantou County Magistrate Xu Shu-hua announced that the event has attracted 1,796 teams from 38 countries, with an estimated 21,700 participants.

To enhance participant safety, the event has introduced a first-of-its-kind real-name dual-chip sensing system. Swimmers will wear specialized chips on both their wrists and torpedo buoys, allowing organizers to monitor movements via sensing devices at the Chaowu and Ita Thao piers, supported by a full video recording system.

A comprehensive safety network has been established involving the fire department, police, health bureau, and various medical institutions, including Zhushan Xiuchuan Hospital and Taichung Veterans General Hospital Puli Branch. Additionally, the Ministry of the Interior's Aerial Service Corps will provide helicopter medical support.

The event is expected to bring over 50,000 visitors to the region, providing an economic boost to local tourism, accommodation, and catering industries. The day will also include an ecological activity involving the release of fish fry to promote sustainable development in Sun Moon Lake.