Porstendorfer See: bathing ban causes trouble and disappointment

Porstendorfer See: bathing ban causes trouble and disappointment

The hottest summer days in Thuringia invite you to refreshing excursions on swimming lakes or in outdoor pools. But in a special place in the region there is now a threat of disappointment for numerous vacationers and locals.

Vacation in the shadowy existence of Lake Porstendorfer

Visitors to the Porstendorfer Lake, which belongs to the campsite "Camping & Ferienpark near Jena", are currently experiencing a bitter summer. Access to bathing is severely restricted due to a ban. The responsible district office has decided that without a trained lifeguard, no security was guaranteed for the swimmers, which led to the closure of the water for swimming. The operator Jan Wakker, who has been running the place with his family for 13 years, sees himself in the Zwickmühle.

Litigation and grouping as a bathing establishment

According to the authorities, Lake Porstendorfer is, since visitors pay an admission of three euros to classify legally as a bathing establishment. In this role, Wakker is obliged to hire appropriately qualified staff. This not only leads to additional costs, but also increases the security of the bathers: the district office argues, without lifeguard there is a "danger to life and life".

Possible alternatives and the way into the unknown

As early as 2016, Baden was prohibited on Lake Porstendorfer. Wakker then founded the association "Friends Porstendorfer See" to enable members to swim at their own risk. This regulation gave him some time relief, but it currently looks as if this loophole is now drying up. Solutions seem to be difficult to find between Wakker and the authorities.

The dispute over security vertical

Jan Wakker criticizes the bureaucracy and expects the decision -makers to be viewed. By describing that bypassing the admission fee, through free access to the lake, he would enable a new appreciation as a "bathing place", he sees a clear contradiction in the decisions. "If we do this without admission, there is suddenly no danger," said Wakker. In his eyes, this is not only confusing, but also a sign of the lack of understanding of the authorities for the reality of a small campsite.

Outlook on the future of Lake Porstendorfer

The situation remains tense, and the possibility of managing the legal challenges is uncertain. Jan Wakker took legal support, but the residents and vacationers have to prepare for the time being that swimming in the Porstendorfer See will not be possible in the near future. While summer time develops, the question of how visitors can breastfeed their thirst in the holiday region of Thuringia after cooling down.

Overall, this incident shows how regulatory requirements and safety regulations can significantly influence the leisure activities and throws a light on the challenges that operators of smaller leisure activities are facing.

- Nag