crime
Lifeguard: A bit of fear resonates
Crime in outdoor pools is on the rise, some lifeguards are worried. photo
© Uwe Anspach/dpa
After some escalating incidents in swimming pools, the Federal Association of German Swimming Champion has shown concern. Aggression in swimming pools often comes from a certain group of people.
Some lifeguards “resonate with a dose of fear” as they go about their work. The President of the Federal Association of German Swimming Champions (BDS) pointed this out in view of renewed cases of violent clashes in outdoor pools. Even in tense situations, you absolutely have to “stay in control” – and most of your colleagues succeed. There has also been more training, said Peter Harzheim of the German Press Agency. He still considers the profession to be a “secure job”.
Above all, escalating aggression in the Columbiabad in Berlin had recently made waves again. An incident also became known from Hamm. “There are certain failures that attract a lot of public attention,” said Harzheim from the BDS in Wesseling near Cologne. Of all the around 6,000 public indoor and outdoor pools, at least 95 percent of the places are safe. Pool operators have increased the number of security personnel and law enforcement officers in recent years. In the case of swimming champions, however, the shortage of skilled workers has been serious for several years and will soon no longer be able to be compensated for with shorter opening times or daily closures.
The police as support?
According to the association president, it would be “not wrong” if the police were present in certain outdoor pools. “Not intended as permanent support, but just a quick visit.”
Harzheim made it clear: “Swimming pools are places of gathering, of joy – and it should stay that way. Everyone is welcome, but they have to follow the rules and customs.” From his point of view, the fact that “different cultural classes are represented, including many young men with a migration background” plays a role in the cases of violence. It is not uncommon for disputes to have to do with “images of masculinity”. Harzheim spoke of “machos who immigrated.” In high heat, the spark can jump over after just a little friction.
Lifeguards with bodycams watch over Dutch outdoor pools
Meanwhile, the Dutch municipality of Terneuzen has taken strict measures to prevent young people, especially from neighboring Belgium, from harassing outdoor pool guests. As of Saturday, the baths will only be accessible to residents of the municipality and some neighboring Dutch and Belgian towns, the municipality announced. Visitors aged 14 and over must identify themselves. The bathrooms were equipped with surveillance cameras and the lifeguards with bodycams. These are video cameras that are worn on the body. In addition, a security service was commissioned and arrangements were made with the police.