Germany's swimming pools reflect the nation's social dynamics
In recent times, safety has become a significant concern in Germany's public baths. The German Swimming Pool Association has reported a mixed picture of safety across the country, with some regions experiencing an increase in crimes while others have seen a decrease.
According to the association's managing director, Christian Mankel, the majority of public baths in Germany remain safe this season. However, in Berlin, 141 crimes were registered in public swimming pools (outdoor pools specifically) by mid-August 2023, with a slight increase mainly due to more trespassing offenses.
The police in Brandenburg reported a total of 83 cases of violence in public baths, an increase from the previous year's 65 cases. The nature of the crimes reported was mostly bodily injuries. It is important to note that the increase in violence in Brandenburg was not the norm across all regions in Germany.
Bremen, on the other hand, reported a decrease in crimes in public baths. No specific information was provided about the nature or number of crimes in other cities or regions.
The police in Berlin attributed the increase in crimes to an increase in trespassing, suggesting that unauthorised individuals may be contributing to the rise in incidents.
Ensuring safety in public baths is a collaborative effort involving police, operators, social workers, and local authorities. Operators and staff have taken significant measures to ensure safety, including small adjustments in the entrance area and personalized online tickets with digital ID checks.
However, the issue of safety is not to be trivialized or over-exaggerated, according to Mankel. Public baths are a reflection of society, and issues of safety should be addressed with the same seriousness as in other public spaces.
Unfortunately, sexual harassment cases have also been reported in public baths. A public bath in Gelnhausen, Hesse, made headlines due to several girls reporting sexual harassment by a group of men in the pool. Similar cases were also reported in Augsburg.
The decrease in crimes in public baths in Baden-Württemberg was not specified. However, the security report for the region showed a decrease of 17.7% in crimes compared to the previous year.
In conclusion, while the majority of public baths in Germany remain safe, there have been instances of increased crimes and sexual harassment in certain regions. The German Swimming Pool Association and local authorities continue to take measures to ensure the safety of bath-goers, and it is important for the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
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