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This is Taiwan's largest lake.
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And every year, once a year, for the last 35 years,
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20,000 people,
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a third of whom don't really know how to swim at all,
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wade across this massive body of water.
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This is Taiwan's annual swimming carnival.
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The event is a 2-mile swim with only one objective.
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And if swimmers can't make it?
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For an island, Taiwan has ranked consistently low
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in swimming proficiency.
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In 2009, only 42 percent of students said they could swim.
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The fear of water dates back to the 1940s,
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when the coastline was restricted
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due to fear of mainland Chinese invasion.
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And for that reason, everyone is required to swim in teams,
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wear an official swimming cap,
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and carry around a flotation device.
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People get really into it and bring things like balloons,
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snacks,
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facekinis,
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flags,
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even their phones.