Great crowds despite the heat and controls: Berlin outdoor pools full on the hottest day of the year

Great crowds despite the heat and controls: Berlin outdoor pools full on the hottest day of the year

The hottest day of the year in Berlin was there in the outdoor pools, despite the discussions about violent incidents in swimming pools. In some outdoor pools, according to the Berlin bathing companies, it was so full that it was no longer possible in the early afternoon. The affected bathrooms included the Wuhlheide, islander, Humboldthain and Gropiusstadt. Nobody was admitted in the Wedding combination and in Pankow.

Especially in front of the Prince's Bad in Berlin-Kreuzberg and the summer pool at the Insulaner in Steglitz, longer snakes were already formed in the morning and at lunchtime. In Steglitz, employees informed about the need for a photo ID and organized the visitors via megafon. Police officers were present both in Steglitz and in front of the Prinzenbad and monitored the situation.

The Berlin operators of outdoor pools and the state government had introduced sharper security measures due to repeated violent incidents. Since this Saturday it has only been possible to enter the baths with an ID. In addition to the ID card, visitors can also show their driver's license or a student ID. However, according to reporters of the German Press Agency, the control of the photo ID cards was not carried out strictly.

In order to avoid overcrowded bathrooms, inlet stops are to be introduced earlier in the future and the security personnel increased. The reason for these measures was disputes in outdoor pools in Neukölln and Kreuzberg.

The Columbiabad in Neukölln was cleared last Sunday due to the repeated occurrence and remains temporarily closed due to a high sick leave. It should only be opened again next Monday, the bathroom companies said.

The situation in the Berlin outdoor pools clearly shows that the topic of security and overcrowding plays a major role in the summer months. Often it is particularly full due to the high temperatures and the need for cooling in the swimming pools. With sharper security measures and an earlier limitation of the admission, one tries to ensure the safety of visitors and avoid overfilled. The police presence should also ensure safe bathing pleasure.

It remains to be seen whether the measures taken in the long term lead to an improvement in the situation and will ensure that the outdoor pools run smoothly.