A lake-side swimming pool in Saxony-Anhalt has introduced a controversial rule that states people who cannot speak German may be refused entry.
The rule was recently introduced at the Heidebad swimming pool in Halle, in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, with bosses arguing that it’s a safety measure.
Managing director Mathias Nobel said guests must be able to understand safety instructions, bathing rules and directions from lifeguards before they are admitted.
“We need to be sure that visitors understand our bathing rules, and we must take a consistent approach to ensure the safety of bathers,” Nobel said.
How is the policy being enforced?
Staff assess visitors at the entrance to see if they can communicate sufficiently in German. Decisions on admission are made on a case-by-case basis.
Since the policy was introduced several days ago, a small number of visitors have reportedly been refused entry.
In a statement online, management said: “In some cases, guests were denied entry if, in the operator’s view, it was not possible to ensure sufficient understanding of safety-related instructions.”
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Nobel said the main concern is whether swimmers understand how to behave safely in and around the water.
The decision came about following a recent incident in which Nobel, who also works as a lifeguard, rescued a toddler from the water.
He said dangerous situations arise because warning signs, depth markings or instructions from lifeguards are either misunderstood or ignored.
“Our lake is up to 13 meters deep in places,” he told German media. “It’s simply dangerous.”
Nobel said the facility becomes extremely busy during periods of hot weather, making it difficult for staff to provide individual explanations of safety rules.
In the statement online, Nobel added: “I am responsible for thousands of swimmers. When it comes to the safety of children and families, I will not compromise.”
The swimming pool operators said: “For the Heidebad, one thing is clear: an upset visitor is better than a preventable swimming accident.
“The goal of this measure is not to exclude people, but to minimise risks and, in particular, to protect children and people who can’t swim well.”
Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Hauke-Christian Dittrich
What’s the reaction?
Some people have slammed the move, pointing out that it amounts to discrimination.
One TikTok creator said: “We all know this isn’t about genuine safety. This is about something else.”
She added that some swimming pools abroad where Germans vacation give instructions in German. “That pool could have definitely put up a sign or two in English or multiple languages,” she said.
In a comment under a German TikTok news report on the new rules, one person had a similar point of view: “Yeah, they should introduce that in Turkey or Spain too… so tourists at Ballermann (in Mallorca) or in Antalya would have to learn the language first before they’re allowed to go swimming!”
However, many Germans appeared to support the move, calling the decision “absolutely right”.
Nobel acknowledged the backlash but said the facility would continue enforcing the policy.
“We will remain consistent on this,” he said.
He added that the rule is also intended to ease pressure on lifeguards who have previously faced requests to explain safety instructions through translation applications.
“My staff are already at their limit,” Nobel said.
With reporting by DPA
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: thelocal.de
