Fights, insults and riots. Outdoor swimming pools in Germany caused a stir last year. The first cities are trying to get control of the situation with security personnel. But the guests also have to adapt. FOCUS online says what is changing.

When the first outdoor pools in Germany start operating in the next few days, visitors will have to adapt in many places. In addition to bag checks and security personnel in the facilities, QR codes and ID cards are also required for comparison. Last year there were repeated riots at the edge of the pool.

A reader of FOCUS online, who works for the city of Essen, contacted us a few days ago and reported on the innovation. From June 1st, employees in several outdoor swimming pools will require an ID card or driver’s license at the entrance. This must then be presented at the checkout together with the online ticket. On the one hand, the operators want to ensure more security and, on the other hand, enforce house bans that have already been imposed.

The Essen outdoor pools Grugabad, Kettwig Swimming Center and Bad und Sport Oststadt are affected.

But even in Berlin, where the most mobsters and rioters were found last year, the ID requirement will apply from the new bathing season. At the same time, the first outdoor pools there are also introducing outdoor surveillance cameras. This should also help detect thefts more quickly. For example in the Columbiabad in Berlin-Neukölln. There were frequent police operations there last year. 

The regulation generally applies to all guests aged 14 and over, as the cities of Essen and Berlin report. If you don’t have an ID card with you, you can also identify yourself with a driver’s license, passport, severely disabled person’s card or student ID card. The last two documents mentioned are already necessary today in order to receive a reduced admission ticket.

As the police union emphasizes, those affected in dangerous situations should behave in such a way that the situation does not escalate in the first place. “Escalations usually take place in four phases,” says Ralf Bongartz. Bongartz was a chief detective for more than 20 years, and today he is a trainer for conflict management and body language. In the first phase, perpetrators usually seek eye contact. Bongartz speaks of the “visual phase”.

“The perpetrator can determine whether the other person is easy prey based on the other person’s gaze, eye and head movements,” explains Bongartz. On the one hand, the perpetrators look for their victims or try to provoke them with looks.

In the second phase, the “verbal attack” follows. The perpetrators try to get in touch with the victim verbally by insulting or insulting them, according to the expert on “Police Your Partner”.

In the third phase, the perpetrator suddenly comes closer. “If someone comes too close to me, I can reach out and say calmly but clearly: ‘Stop! “Stop, take a step back,” explains Ralf Bongartz. In addition to brief statements (“Don’t do that!”), short questions (“Why are you threatening me?”) also work. Anyone who is naturally able to do this can talk at once without periods or commas.

When the fourth phase occurs, one usually witnesses fights or other threatening situations. In this case, it is best to look at the people around you and address them directly and loudly. For example: “Call the police!”

If perpetrators use knives or firearms, you should immediately dial 110 and look, advises Ralf Bongartz. Under no circumstances should you hold up your cell phone and film. “Looking is important so that you can take care of the victim immediately after the crime and later describe the perpetrator.” You can find more information on this page.