One way of trying to beat the heat for Hanoians during the recent heat wave has been to take a dip in West Lake, despite the ban and other possible risks.

Swimming in West Lake

West Lake has become something of an urban beach for many local residents in the surrounding areas, especially in recent days when temperatures reached as high as 40 degrees Celsius.

A man resting besides the signboard that warns "Danger. No swimming"

Most swimmers gather at a corner of the lake near a lotus pond nicknamed "Love Road".

The crowds gathered there in recent days have been growing, as there is plenty of room to swim and it costs no money.

Some take along their pets.

Swimming with pets

Even though warnings have been issued about skin diseases that can be transmitted by the lake water and other possibilities of drowning and injury, the attitude of these swimmers can be summed up by the words of a man named Tuan, who said, "I find nothing dangerous about it. People have used this lake to swim for many years and the water is not too deep."

Tuan and his son often swim in the lake

A little girl joins in

A man teaching his son to swim

“There are swimming pools in the area but we can’t afford the price. It costs VND50,000 (USD2.36) per person for entry, and adding expenses.” said one person.

Summer fun 

A way to dodge the heat

Time to go home  

Hanoians beat the heat in West Lake