Several towns in Germany’s Baden-Württemberg region have tightened security and entry rules at outdoor swimming pools following repeated disturbances involving groups of young immigrants arriving from neighboring France.
Authorities in the border towns of Kehl and Müllheim introduced stricter measures after a series of incidents that required repeated police intervention. The changes come after what local officials described as ongoing misconduct at public swimming facilities.
In Kehl, police cleared the Auenheim outdoor swimming pool at the end of June after a group of young men from France violated pool rules and ignored instructions from staff. According to police, who cited witness statements, the group was described as North African. Officers said it was no longer possible to verify the identities of those involved.
In response, the city reduced the pool’s maximum capacity from 1,600 visitors to 1,400. Visitors purchasing day tickets are now required to provide personal information and carry photo identification. Anyone violating pool rules can receive a swimming ban lasting until the end of the season. The city has also assigned additional security personnel to check that all arriving visitors have valid tickets before entering the facility.
Authorities in Müllheim have also faced repeated problems this summer. Police have been called to the town’s outdoor swimming pool twelve times during the current season, according to police spokesman Michael Schorr of the Freiburg police headquarters.
The incidents have reportedly included public disturbances as well as cases of assault, harassment, and theft. According to Schorr, most of those incidents involved bathers from a similar background.
