New bathing regulations in BW: Dress code that is unique worldwide is causing a stir!

New bathing regulations in BW: Dress code that is unique worldwide is causing a stir!

There are new regulations in the outdoor pools in Baden-Württemberg that are causing excitement among many bathers. At the start of the outdoor pool season, the rules for swimwear were fundamentally revised. Men are now required to wear tight-fitting swimming trunks, while women are allowed to wear tight-fitting outfit options up to knee height. Baggy swimming trunks and burkinis, however, fall under the ban and are no longer permitted, reported Swabian newspaper.

The operators of the bathing establishments refer to hygiene measures to improve the water quality and point out that numerous complaints have been received about improper bathing clothing. Swimwear must be made of synthetic fibers, so cotton can no longer be used. In addition, swimming shorts with pockets are also taboo. An example illustrates the situation: A school class from Ravensburg had to change their clothes at the Lörrach park swimming pool due to inadequate swimwear, as many students only had airy shorts with them.

New dress code and its effects

The changes in the outdoor pools are aimed at guaranteeing hygiene and water quality. However, there are no exceptions to these regulations in the affected facilities. Lörrach's city spokesman, Alexander Fessler, explained that there have been fewer complaints since the new dress code was introduced and that many guests have reacted positively to the measures.

But not everyone agrees with the new regulations. Critics, including Alliance 90/The Greens, raise concerns about possible discrimination and the effectiveness of water quality regulations. This regulation applies to all visitors, regardless of gender or religion. In the outdoor pool in Müllheim, for example, an application to delete this clause was rejected, but children up to 14 years of age are allowed to wear long-sleeved swimwear. In the recent past, fewer crimes against sexual self-determination have been registered in Baden-Württemberg.

The topic of toplessness and anti-discrimination

The discussion about swimwear is not new and also brings with it the debate about gender-specific rules. An example from Berlin shows how questions about discrimination are raised: a woman was asked to cover her upper body in a swimming pool, which she found to be discriminatory. This discussion is further fueled by the new regulations in Baden-Württemberg. The regulations in Germany set clear requirements for swimwear, which applies to different genders. Users who are gender neutral must also meet traditional swimwear requirements. Bathing topless is only permitted in clothing-free areas, such as saunas.

In general, the new regulations show that hygiene and access to public swimming pools are continually being put to the test. The conversations around these topics will probably continue to make things interesting. We will be curious to see how the situation in the outdoor pools will develop and whether further adjustments will be necessary.