Baden-Baden in the crisis: swimming pools in front of the end?

Baden-Baden in the crisis: swimming pools in front of the end?

Baden-Baden, Deutschland - The city of Baden-Baden is facing a financial disaster and has to save a double-digit million amount. Over 30 million euros are missing to cover running costs in the current year. In this context, possible closures of swimming pools are also discussed. The Hardbergbad, which is considered the most visitor's outdoor pool in the city, is on the brink. In addition to financial questions, this situation also raises serious concerns about the swimming ability of young people, especially against the background of a nationwide warning of the German Life Rescue Society (DLRG).

The DLRG recently pointed out that up to 800 public swimming pools in Germany could be closed over the next three years. According to the DLRG President Ute Vogt, this is an alarming development that could have serious consequences for swimming lessons. An investigation by the German Institute for Urban Studies, which surveyed 307 cities, municipalities and counties, shows that 62 percent of the indoor pools are in a "serious" or "significant" investment deficit. This affects not only the infrastructure of the swimming pools, but also the training conditions for lifeguards.

increasing non -swimmer numbers

Another concern of this investigation is the increase in the number of children who cannot swim. It is estimated that every fifth child cannot swim, and the proportion of non-swimmers among six to ten year olds has doubled to 20 percent since 2017. This could have long -term consequences for the safety of children in the water and reinforces the DLRG's demand for comprehensive bathroom requirements planning.

In order to improve the situation, the DLRG demands that each school class can reach a swimming pool within 15 minutes. Ideally, swimming lessons should be offered during primary school. The significant investment deficit for swimming pools is estimated at around twelve billion euros, which underlines the urgency of measures to renovate and modernize.

future challenges

In addition to the closure of bathrooms, the DLRG also sees a need for energy -efficient solutions in order to reduce the dependence on gas supply. The discussion about a nationwide investment package is promoted by the DLRG to ensure the functionality and safety of the bathrooms. This is particularly important because swimming pools are not only leisure facilities, but also crucial for swimming training and lifeguard training.

In Baden-Baden, the financial situation of the municipal utility and the impending closure of bathrooms will certainly initiate further discussions, both in politics and in the citizens. The simple question remains: How can the security of future generations in the water be guaranteed while the financial challenges must be mastered at the same time?