Even if the summer weather is currently taking a break: The Peitingen wave swimming pool will open its gates to visitors for the first time this Monday. Because of the corona pandemic, there are of course some rules to be followed. But Mayor Peter Ostenrieder also has good news.
Peiting - On Thursday afternoon, Mayor Peter Ostenrieder finally gave the green light. A meeting had previously taken place in the district office in Weilheim to discuss the requirements for opening the baths. Prime Minister Markus Söder announced three weeks ago that the outdoor pools would start on June 8th. However, until the end, the exact rules of the Free State that operators had to comply with during the corona pandemic were lacking. These were now available and they largely corresponded to the hygiene and protection concept that the community had already worked out in the past few weeks.
A maximum of 750 visitors are allowed to stay on the bathing area. A new access system with a light barrier is to ensure that this number is also complied with. The limit is enough for normal bathing days, said Ostenrieder. In Peiting, one wants to do without a layer system like the one used in the "Rigi-Rutsch'n" in Peißenberg. On hot summer days, up to 1500 visitors have been looking to cool off in the wave pool in recent years. However, Ostenrieder is annoyed by the requirement that adolescents under the age of 14 may only be admitted when accompanied by an adult. Nationwide, the age limit is ten years. "Unfortunately, the Free State handles this more strictly."
Lifeguards pay attention to the number of bathers
There are also restrictions when bathing itself. Almost 140 people can swim in the swimmer and non-swimmer pool at the same time. "The lifeguards will make sure that this is also adhered to," announced Ostenrieder.
You cannot avoid the currently applicable 1.5 m distance regulations. They are not only to be observed on the entire site, but also in the water. In order to bring this requirement closer to the children in a playful way, a large number of pool noodles had been ordered, says the town hall manager. "They are exactly 1.6 meters long, so you can easily check the distance." Admittedly, for safety reasons, they are only in the non-swimmer area. In the swimmer's pool, lifeguards would otherwise find it difficult to tell whether someone who was swimming with pool noodle could actually swim or not, explains Ostenrieder.
A drop of bitterness from the perspective of the town hall boss: The warm showers in the building remain taboo for the time being. "We would have to disinfect them after each use, that cannot be done." This leaves visitors with only the cold outdoor showers. The toilet facilities are of course just as open as the kiosk, according to Ostenrieder. However, the same requirements apply to its operator as to other catering establishments.
Wave operation is possible
The mayor has some good news when it comes to waves: if it was recently assumed that operation would not be possible, water rats can now look forward to the bath's main attraction. Ostenrieder announces that they will even increase the frequency and make waves every half hour.
Despite Pentecost holidays, the rush on Monday should initially be limited due to the cooler temperatures. "It will be more of a soft opening," suspects the city hall manager. Peitinger was also reluctant to buy season tickets, which started this week, compared to previous years. "Apparently people wait until the bathroom is actually open," said Ostenrieder. Especially since the discounted price for the annual season ticket is valid all summer.
Incidentally, not only the Peitinger school classes have free admission this year. "We are expanding the offer to Schongau because the splashing there is still closed," announced Ostenrieder. The students will be happy.
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