Swimming pool crisis: 3,000 lifeguards missing - children can't swim!

Swimming pool crisis: 3,000 lifeguards missing - children can't swim!

There is a worrying shortage of lifeguards in Germany, which not only affects leisure and sports facilities, but also puts the swimming skills of children and young people at risk. According to current reports, there is a nationwide shortage of at least 3,000 lifeguards. The Federal Association of German Swimming Masters warns that this has serious consequences for safety and learning to swim in swimming pools. In particular, association president Peter Harzheim pointed out an alarming statistic: around half of fourth graders cannot swim safely.

This situation not only poses a problem with individual buoyancy, but also a potential safety risk. In 2024, a total of 411 people drowned in Germany, which means an increase of around 30 cases compared to 2023. This is documented by the German Life Saving Society (DLRG) and is an indication of the urgency of improving the swimming ability of the population.

Investment needs for swimming pools

In order to counteract the shortage of lifeguards, Janine Wissler, the deputy parliamentary group leader of the Left, is calling for massive investments in swimming pools. Wissler criticizes that the billion euros announced by the federal government from the special infrastructure fund is not enough to close the existing gaps in swimming education. She advocates for at least one billion euros annually by the mid-2030s to improve infrastructure and increase children's swimming skills.

Wissler receives support from the Bäderallianz Deutschland, which has made similar demands. The aim of this initiative is for all children born in 2026 to be confident swimmers by their tenth birthday. This goal shows how important it is to invest in swimming training early on.

The condition of the swimming pools

The current situation for swimming pools in Germany is tense. In 2000 there were still around 7,800 swimming pools, but since then hundreds have had to be permanently closed. Thanks to the DLRG, it is known that half of the existing swimming pools are in need of renovation and without comprehensive renovations, one in seven public swimming pools could close in the next three years.

In view of these developments, it is clear that the need for action is enormous. Parents are advised to take their children to swimming pools to teach them how to swim and thus actively contribute to improving their swimming skills. It is currently ensured that lifeguards are necessary in swimming pools to guarantee the safety of little swimmers.

For more information and details on the current challenges in the swimming sector, we refer to the reports from World as well as Mirror.