1 in 7 German public swimming pools at risk of closure

One in seven of Germany's public swimming pools is in desperate need of renovations to avoid closure, the German Life Saving Society (DLRG) said on Tuesday, reported dpa.

DLRG President Ute Vogt said 800 pools could be forced to close within the next three years if they do not receive comprehensive renovations.

His comments are based on a study by the German Institute of Urban Affairs in 307 cities, municipalities and districts in October last year, which found that two out of three indoor swimming pools in the country are "seriously" or "significantly" under-funded.

"Indoor swimming pools are indispensable for teaching the life-saving skill of swimming. Without them, swimming lessons are only possible to a very limited extent," Vogt said.

The DLRG also emphasized that pools are essential for training lifeguards.

More than 20% of schools are already unable to provide swimming lessons because of a lack of necessary infrastructure, Vogt added.

According to a Forsa survey conducted by DLRG in 2022, the proportion of non-swimmers among 6 to 10-year-old had doubled to 20% compared to 2017.

Vogt said the DLRG is calling for talks between national, state and local governments on a nationwide pool requirement plan.

He said the pools would also need to become more energy efficient and free from gas, meaning the national government would have to "get much more involved financially in the future."

An investment package for swimming pools is needed, he said. The DLRG highlighted a study from 2024 by a German bathing industry association, which concluded that the investment backlog for swimming pools could amount to around €12 billion.