Gyor, Hungary

Istvan Riegler's (50) recent Santa-Swim started as well as his previous attempts. After swimming across a smaller pond and the Danube river in a Santa Claus outfit, he decided to swim across the Raba river - at its all-time-record flood level. Istvan almost finished his attempt, but when he tried to climb out at the opposite bank of the river, then the current washed him away - all in sight of a numerous cheering crowd. A couple of hours later the red outfit was washed ashore - but did not contain Mr. Swimming Santa.

Pictures here: http://kep.index.hu/1/0/126_fde9264cf376fffe2ee4ddf4a988880d/555407_e01578fbf51b86df85ea2fe446edaaf3_wm.jpg

Submitted on 06/27/2009

Submitted by: Laci Kadar
Reference: http://index.hu/bulvar/2009/06/27/elsodorta_a_raba_a_mikulas-ruhas_uszot 06-27-2009

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Candi said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
Swimming deaths are one thing -but this guy was stone-cold sober and knew the river was at a very high flood level. I'm also thinking that after the previous two swims, he would have been tired and should have realized it. IDIOT! Thanks, Laci, and submit again!

Bruce said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
I'll go with Candi on this. What was this guy thinking? Thanks, Laci!

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