Farewell to a tradition: closing of outdoor pools in Baden-Württemberg
Public swimming pools in Baden-Württemberg face a significant challenge, with a potential wave of closures looming on the horizon. According to the German Life-Saving Society (DLRG), every seventh swimming pool could shut down in the coming years if no action is taken [1].
The root of this crisis lies primarily in maintenance, repair, and cleaning needs, as well as financial and operational challenges. These issues have been highlighted by the temporary closure of the Paracelsus-Therme from March 31 to April 10, 2025, due to necessary maintenance work [2].
Negative public experiences, such as overcrowding, high costs, and hygiene issues, reported for facilities like Badeparadies Schwarzwald, may also contribute to financial strain and reduced public support, indirectly threatening bath operations.
The financial state of public baths is precarious, with many needing repairs. Since 2000, almost 2,000 baths have closed nationwide [3].
In an effort to address this issue, the state government has announced plans to invest 30 million euros annually for the renovation of baths [4]. The focus of this investment is on swimming lessons in schools to reduce the risk for children who don't know how to swim.
In the past, municipalities built swimming pools, and swimming lessons were a standard part of physical education. Today, the baths need to be saved to prevent a generation from losing the opportunity to learn and practice swimming.
The potential consequences of these closures are significant for swimming education and public safety. Public baths are key venues for swimming lessons, aquatic training, and water safety education, especially for children and non-swimmers. If these facilities close, opportunities for essential swimming instruction will decline, potentially increasing drowning risks.
Moreover, reduced access to pools limits safe environments for practicing swimming skills, impairing public safety initiatives that rely on widespread swimming competency.
In conclusion, closures due to maintenance and possibly operational difficulties threaten Baden-Württemberg’s public baths, endangering swimming education programs and compromising public safety by limiting safe and accessible swimming opportunities. The investment of 30 million euros annually by the state government is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to ensure the survival of these vital community resources.
References: 1. DLRG Predicts Potential Closure of Every Seventh Swimming Pool 2. Paracelsus-Therme Announces Temporary Closure for Maintenance 3. Nationwide Closure of Almost 2,000 Baths Since 2000 4. State Government to Invest 30 Million Euros Annually for Bath Renovation
- The financial challenges faced by Baden-Württemberg's public baths are not limited to maintenance needs; they extend to the realm of science and health-and-wellness, as swimming lessons in schools are crucial for children's safety and water competency.
- The potential closure of these swimming pools represents a significant blow not only to sports and fitness-and-exercise enthusiasts, but also to the scientific community, as reduced access to pools could impede ongoing water safety education and research.
