Baths generally remained secure in the majority of cases.
Public pools across Germany are gearing up for the rest of the summer season, with operators and employees taking various measures to ensure the safety of visitors.
The German Swimming Pool Association, representing thousands of pools nationwide, plays a crucial role in promoting safety standards. In Hamm, for instance, improvements in safety have been achieved through participation in nationwide swimming promotion programmes, such as the "NRW kann schwimmen!" programme, which includes organised swimming courses and specific safety standards in swimming halls. From 2025, the registration for swimming courses will be simplified through an online enrollment portal, further enhancing organisation and safety.
Personalised online tickets and digitalised ID checks are among the measures implemented to prevent potential offenders from blending in with visitors. However, incidents of crime have not been entirely avoided. The police in Berlin reported 141 criminal offenses in the current pool season up to mid-August, slightly more than in the same period last year. The police in Brandenburg reported a total of 83 acts of violence, mainly bodily injuries, compared to 65 cases the previous year.
Unfortunately, incidents of sexual harassment have also been reported in other federal states. In Gelnhausen, Hesse, several girls reported being groped by a group of men in a public pool, making headlines nationwide. Similar cases have been reported in Augsburg.
Despite these challenges, Christian Mankel, CEO of the German Swimming Pool Association, stated that most public pools in Germany remained safe this season. Mankel emphasised the impact of small adjustments in the entrance area for improving the safety of pool guests. He also highlighted the importance of close cooperation between police, pool operators, social workers, and local authorities in ensuring safety.
In Baden-Württemberg, a decrease in criminal offenses was reported, with a 17.7% decrease in cases compared to the previous year. The slight increase in criminal offenses in other regions is mainly due to an increase in trespassing.
Public pools, according to Mankel, serve as a reflection of society, highlighting real existing problems. Ensuring safety in these public spaces is, therefore, a joint task that requires continuous efforts from all stakeholders.
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