Incidents with bathers: Unrest in border swimming pools? How the pools are handling it

Swimming pools in the German state of Baden-Württemberg, situated near the French border, have experienced recurring incidents, often involving young men from the neighboring Alsace region. These disturbances have led to multiple police interventions this year.

In Kehl, the Auenheim swimming pool was cleared by police at the end of June following conflicting reports. Police stated that 50 to 60 young men from France attempted to enter without paying and climbed an outer fence, resisting security personnel. The city, however, described a different sequence, with a smaller group initially climbing a gate due to inappropriate swimwear, being expelled by security, and a later incident involving 10 to 15 French youths jumping over a pool barrier after ignoring staff instructions, prompting police involvement.

Further south in Müllheim, police have been called to the local swimming pool twelve times this season. These calls were primarily for disturbances, violations of house and bathing rules, but also included assault, harassment, and theft. Police spokesperson Michael Schorr noted that while the number of incidents is not exceptionally high and comparable to the previous year, the strain on supervisory and security staff has significantly increased, particularly on hot days.

The city of Müllheim shares the assessment that the security situation is generally good, but acknowledged a decline in the subjective sense of safety among some bathers due to the increased pressure on staff. Similar, though less frequent, incidents have also occurred at the Waldschwimmbad Breisach.

“

For us now still a manageable situation.