Billion dollar project for swimming pools: This is how all children become safe swimmers!

Billion dollar project for swimming pools: This is how all children become safe swimmers!

On July 3, 2025, the Bäderallianz in Hanover presented a comprehensive plan for the renovation and modernization of swimming pools in Germany. This plan calls for investments worth billions over a period of twelve years. The pool alliance, consisting of 15 associations, including the DRK water rescue service and the Federal Association of German Swimming Masters, aims to promote the swimming ability of the population across the board and to resolve the renovation backlog in many pools.

A central focus of the plan is improving children's swimming skills. According to a 2022 Forsa survey, almost 60% of elementary school students cannot swim safely, while 20% cannot swim at all. The pool alliance therefore demands that all children have completed the bronze badge at the end of fourth grade. In order to achieve this goal, schools and clubs should work more closely together.

Investments and structure

The pool alliance's proposal envisages a pool funding program that provides at least one billion euros per year. This includes annual federal subsidies of 700 million euros for new buildings, energy-efficient renovations and the digitalization of swimming pools. 150 million euros are earmarked for top sports pools and 100 million euros for teaching swimming pools. The pool alliance is also planning 50 million euros to promote pool-related research and teaching.

To accommodate pool accessibility, the plan requires citizens to drive no more than 30 minutes to a pool. This is seen as crucial to guarantee access to swimming opportunities and reduce the number of non-swimmers.

Current challenges

In view of the high number of non-swimmers and the constantly growing number of swimming deaths, the German Life Saving Society (DLRG) warns of the dangers of swimming lakes, especially on hot summer days. Around 800 public indoor swimming pools are currently facing closure, and almost half of the existing swimming pools are in need of renovation. According to a DLRG study, 58% of primary school children cannot swim safely when they transition to secondary school.

The operation of the existing pools is at risk due to high operating costs and a shortage of skilled pool attendants. This deficiency means that opening times are limited on certain days. Entrance fees have also increased by over 5%, making access to swimming pools even more difficult. The DLRG therefore calls for a clear differentiation approach with regard to pool types and the creation of a needs plan to better adapt to the different needs of competitive swimmers, school classes and the general public.

With these measures and approaches, the pool alliance hopes to meet future challenges and ensure a comprehensive swimming pool network that meets the demands of both popular sports and competitive sports.

For more information visit the articles on NDR and ZDF.