One heat wave after another is currently sweeping across Switzerland. In the best case scenario, the next jump into the cool water is not far away. Whether swimming pool, lake or river – Switzerland offers countless possibilitiesto bring the overheated mind back to normal temperature.
Anyone who throws themselves into the water also has their own clothes on to keep rules. From unsupervised children to dangerous jumps to litter left lying around: lifeguards have to intervene again and again. We asked the operators of public pools in Basel, Bern and Zurich which habits bathers don’t like – and what they want instead.
When was the last time you went to a swimming pool?
You leave your children unattended
Actually, it should go without saying. Nevertheless, according to the Basel-Stadt Education Department, incidents often occur when children are “lost sight of for a moment”. Continuous supervision is therefore a central contribution to security.
Rolf Wyttenbach from the Wyler outdoor and indoor swimming pool in Bern also deals with the topic regularly: “Parents or other caregivers should always have their children within sight in the pool.” Especially on days with many guests, “it happens that lost children come to us or parents have their children called out.”
You jump without paying attention to your surroundings
Whether from the edge of the pool or from the diving platform: Risky jumps According to those responsible for the pools, they often lead to safety problems. Wyttenbach describes behavior on diving boards in particular as dangerous. “People want to jump together or jump where it’s not allowed. If bathers don’t swim out of the diving zone immediately, it’s very dangerous when the next person jumping comes along.
You’re pushing for slides
Unlimited fun on slides is repeatedly hindered by bathers who put themselves and others in dangerous situations. The city of Zurich’s sports department is concerned about several people on the track at the same time. “Slides should only be used individually and with sufficient distance between them.” Traffic jams on the slide are also dangerous.
You’re staying in the facility far too long
According to Rolf Wyttenbach, on warm days it regularly happens that bathers do not leave the facility on time. Even after several loudspeaker announcements, it often takes several attempts before the Wyler outdoor pool in Bern is actually empty. “This is sometimes a challenge for the staff on site, as the system also has to be prepared for the next day,” he says. This includes collecting waste, cleaning the pools and checking water quality.
You are wearing unsuitable swimwear
It sounds like a minor matter, but it regularly concerns the staff in Basel: the swimwear. “The question, what clothes in the water is permissible is often discussed.” Employees would have to continually make guests aware of the applicable regulations and ensure that they are consistently enforced.
You leave your trash or personal items behind
According to Wyttenbach, littering is also a big problem. “It would be nice if guests would always dispose of their own waste and return plates, glasses and cutlery to the restaurant’s clearing station.”
Sometimes the visitors left half their belongings behind, he says: “Bath towels, bags, clothes, shoes, even the stroller – it all happened.”
You ignore the staff’s instructions
Probably the most important point: Anyone who goes to the swimming pool should take the instructions seriously. In Basel, staff repeatedly have to intervene when regulations are ignored or instructions are ignored.
Zurich also emphasizes that employees often have to intervene if the applicable rules are not adhered to. It’s not about patronizing bathers. Among other things, the rules are intended to ensure that “all guests feel safe and comfortable,” according to the sports office.
Dear people, “chillets”! And be kind to each other.
The work of the staff is already demanding. “The consistently high number of admissions to the Zurich city summer pools as well as long periods of good weather with high temperatures contribute to this,” says Zurich. Or as Rolf Wyttenbach puts it succinctly: “Dear people, ‘chillets!’ You are there in your free time to enjoy the summer. We as staff do our best for you every day: Please respect the bathing rules, treat everyone with respect and be nice to each other. »
Which Badi rule do you find unnecessary? Have you already broken any of these rules yourself? And which rule break makes your blood boil?
Carolina Lermann (ler) has been working for 20 minutes since May 2023. She is an editor for Body & Soul in the lifestyle section and writes about education, sport and psychology.
