After weeks of corona insecurity, the outdoor pools are reopening in several federal states. But what can visitors expect here?
- A visit to the outdoor pool in summer should be a relief, especially for families.
- However, spontaneous visits will not be possible in many places.
- A number of other requirements also apply.
Splashing at a distance, visits only with advance notice and queues in front of the pools: Numerous outdoor pools start the summer season in the shadow of the corona pandemic *. In Saxony the baths have been allowed to open their doors again since May 15th, in North Rhine-Westphalia since Wednesday (May 20th).
Other federal states will follow suit in the coming weeks, Hesse wants to reopen the pools at least for clubs. Bavaria or Baden-Württemberg still want to wait. But how will the new everyday life between the french fries, sunbathing lawn and diving platform?
Visits to the outdoor swimming pool in Corona summer: online bookings and time slots
Especially on hot summer days, many long to jump into the cool water. But this summer, the quick swim lap after work will not be possible everywhere without restrictions, as Christian Ochsenbauer, Managing Director of the German Bathing Association (DGfB) explains. In order to channel the flow of visitors, many baths want to offer season tickets . For example in the establishments of the "Kölnbäder", where customers are only admitted with e-tickets. "Spontaneous visits are not planned," said press spokeswoman Franziska Graalmann. With the online registration, the pools would also meet their obligation to provide evidence. Such a concept is also planned in Berlin, where the first pools will open again on May 25th.
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Swimming pool visits: distance, distance, distance
Whether on the lawn, queuing at the diving platform or in the pool: distance is the order of the day. In Cologne or Düsseldorf, markings are already made on the floor, in some swimming pools the swimming lanes should only be swimmed in one direction . The pool noodles, which are around 1.50 meters long, sometimes serve as spacers. The DGfB recommends limiting the number of people in the pool. "It can then happen that people have to stand in a queue in front of the pool," says Ochsenbauer. The well-known distance and contact rules also apply to the sunbathing areas.
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New tasks for lifeguards in outdoor pools
Nobody can predict how visitors will deal with the new rules . Operators like "Kölnbäder" rely on the sensibility of their customers. "We hope that one or two things have already been learned," says Graalmann. Nevertheless, the staff are encouraged to check distance rules and, if necessary, to warn them. Anyone who doesn't want to stick to it must leave the bathroom. Security forces on the meadows are also supposed to ensure that no larger groups form. The lifeguards are faced with new tasks. DGfB managing director Ochsenbauer suggests that they count the bathers and block the pools if necessary.
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What the corona virus should do
The distance rules are designed to ensure that the corona virus does not spread through the air. The following also applies: disinfect what's possible! Sanitary facilities should be cleaned more often, in Berlin changing rooms and shower rooms remain completely closed. Some baths also plan to shut down operations every few hours and do basic cleaning , as Ochsenbauer reports. By the way, nobody has to worry about the virus spreading through the water: According to the Federal Environment Agency, filtration and disinfection in conventional swimming pool water ensure that viruses are reliably inactivated.
A bit normal - even in outdoor pools
Despite the corona signs, many operators try to create something like normality . In most bathrooms, the little ones should also be able to romp in the children's paddling pool, says Ochsenbauer. There is usually nothing standing in the way of the obligatory outdoor pool fries as well, the restaurants are open in many places. And in compliance with the distance rules, attractions such as diving platforms and slides should also be accessible to visitors. In addition to safety and hygiene, there is also another matter, says Ochsenbauer: "Quality of life".
Also interesting : A whole year in the cool water: These are Germany's 365 most popular outdoor pools.
dpa
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