Swimming pools | Left wants to save swimming pools

The German Lifesaving Association (DLRG) has been sounding the alarm for years: The number of people dying while swimming is rising. In 2024, 411 people died in swimming accidents, 31 more than the previous year . The DLRG attributes this to the increasing number of outdoor and indoor pool closures . Currently, 80 are closing annually in Germany.

In light of this, the Left Party presented a five-point plan for a "swimming pool offensive" on Monday. For Jan van Aken, the situation is "not only sad, but truly dangerous." The Left Party co-chairman called for concerted measures to maintain and renovate swimming pools. The federal government must contribute at least one billion euros per year over the next 20 years.

"Swimming ability is a class issue. To put it bluntly: If you're poor, you'll drown."

Jan van Aken , Left Party Co-Chair

Poorer municipalities in particular can no longer afford to continue operating the facilities. Furthermore, admission prices have risen by an average of 20 percent in recent years. "Swimming ability is therefore a class issue," says van Aken. "To put it bluntly: those who are poor go under." For the politician, it is therefore clear: "Providing swimming pools must be a mandatory task for municipalities, and one that must also be financed." To achieve this, the federal government must provide at least one billion euros annually until the mid-2030s. The federal government has announced that it will only allocate one billion euros from the special infrastructure fund to the general renovation of dilapidated sports facilities. For The Left, this sum is a "bad joke."

She also advocates for "mandatory swimming lessons in elementary school." This, however, requires "real water time" and trained teachers. Furthermore, admission prices for children and young people should be capped at one euro across Germany. "With all of this, we can save lives and at least ensure a little more justice," van Aken said.

However, this also requires more staff. The Left Party is therefore calling for "collectively agreed positions for lifeguards and swimming instructors with adequate incomes and good working conditions." According to the Federal Association of German Swimming Instructors, there is a shortage of at least 3,000 lifeguards. Association President Peter Harzheim said last week that this is having a negative impact on swimming skills. Currently, about half of the children in fourth grade cannot swim safely or cannot swim at all.