Outdoor pools in BW: Strict new swimming regulations are causing an uproar!

Outdoor pools in BW: Strict new swimming regulations are causing an uproar!

A lot is happening when it comes to swimwear in the outdoor swimming pool in the city of Lörrach and other facilities in Baden-Württemberg. How rnd.de reported, new regulations will apply from the 2025 outdoor pool season that will tighten clothing rules. Burkinis and loose-fitting swim shorts are now taboo. The regulations provoke a mixed response, both from swimmers and from political actors.

According to the new regulations, men will have to wear tight-fitting swimming trunks in the future, while women will be allowed to swim in tight-fitting swimwear that reaches no more than the knee. Baggy swimming trunks are also no longer allowed. The reason for these strict requirements is primarily the increased hygiene and cleaning effort in the outdoor pools, which is increased by long and loose swimwear, such as schwaebische.de explained in detail. This has also led to an increase in complaints from bathers about 'improper' swimwear.

Criticism and resistance

The new rules from Lörrach are not without resistance, as the Markgräflerland Green branch criticizes the measures as discriminatory. These concerns are supported by the experiences of other regions: A local councilor in Müllheim explained that many minors who had to be adapted to the new dress code rules were affected - a school class from Ravensburg that wanted to swim in the Lörrach park swimming pool had to change their clothes for their trip because many students only came with airy swimming shorts.

In addition, there was discussion in the city of Lörrach about wearing branded underwear under swimming shorts, which raises further questions. However, city spokesman Alexander Fessler says that they are aware of the challenges that certain religious ideas may bring with them, but that clear boundaries have to be drawn for hygiene reasons. Similar regulations apply in Müllheim; Swimwear that extends above the elbows or knees is not permitted - with the exception of children up to 13 years old.

Public Safety and Prejudice

There is a contradiction between hygiene and safety interests. Manuel Ostermann from the DPolG Federal Police Union emphasizes that the new rules are also a signal for sexual self-determination. However, the city reports that the complaint situation has improved slightly since the introduction of the new swimwear regulations. Despite regulatory efforts, discussions about their benefits and impacts are extensive. This is supported by the fact that the municipal council in Müllheim rejected an application to delete the regulations, but at the same time exceptions were granted to younger children. Points of criticism that are even being discussed on the national stage raise the question: Are these new requirements actually a direction that leads to more hygiene, or do they represent blatant discrimination against a certain population group?

Overall, the outdoor pools in Baden-Württemberg seem to want to send clear signals, not least in order to reduce operating costs. Like many other outdoor pools in Rheinfelden, Weil am Rhein and Schopfheim, the swimming pools in this region have also adapted to the new dress codes. It remains to be seen whether these regulations will last in the long term and actually bring about the hoped-for improvement in water quality. What is certain, however, is that the introduction of the new dress code has a major impact on the use of outdoor pools, both in terms of visitor numbers and the social acceptance of these measures, which raise more questions than answers.