German swimming master calls for harder to take part in violence in the outdoor pool and more appreciation for the profession of lifeguard

German swimming master calls for harder to take part in violence in the outdoor pool and more appreciation for the profession of lifeguard

Violence in the outdoor pool: Lifeguards call for harder to take part

In the past few weeks, outbreaks of violence have been increasing in Berlin swimming pools. Peter Harzheim, the head of the Federal Association of German Swimming Masters, observes these incidents with great concern. He calls for a harder to take action against the perpetrators and more appreciation for the profession of lifeguard.

Harzheim in particular criticizes the mild judiciary in his view: "We have a cuddly justice. If you build shit, then you have to get a punishment. Instead, perpetrators are interrogated, get probation and then continue," he says in an interview with T-online. In many cases, the perpetrators would not feel that they were taken seriously.

Harzheim, however, relativizes the situation. He emphasizes that the incidents in Berlin are by no means a nationwide problem. In about 95 percent of German swimming pools, there is "peace, joy, pancakes". The employees are well prepared to de -escalate.

In order to prevent violence and violations of the rules in advance, many bathrooms have increased their security personnel in recent years. Nevertheless, there is a fundamental problem: the reputation of the profession of lifeguard. Harzheim criticizes that lifeguards are often mistakenly regarded as pure "women's shower". In fact, however, they are responsible for the well -being and safety of the bathers. They ensure that children and adolescents can leave the swimming pool unscathed.

Another problem is the shortage of skilled workers, which has been in the bathing companies for years. The low content discourages many potential applicants. In particular, due to the effects of Corona pandemic and the energy crisis, many people have changed jobs in order to get better financially. This leads to shortened opening times and daily closures in many swimming pools.

Peter Harzheim therefore also appeals to politics. He demands that the municipalities consider the establishment of bathrooms as a mandatory task instead of leaving this on a voluntary basis. However, it is skeptical whether his claims are actually implemented. He complains that politicians and those responsible like to show themselves when smiling and shaking hands, but are not present in the event of problems in the swimming pool.

Despite all these challenges, Harzheim continues to keep swimming pools as places of coming together and joy. Everyone is welcome as long as they adhere to the rules and customs. In order to maintain this positive ambience, however, an investment in quality and security is required. It is often saved too much instead of investing in the necessary equipment and training of the staff.