Berlin Pools Seek Lifeguards as Concerns Rise Over Summer Violence
As warmer weather approaches, Berlin’s outdoor swimming pools are actively recruiting lifeguards and pool attendants for the upcoming season. This push for staffing comes amid growing concerns about violence and disruptive behavior at public pools across Germany, prompting calls for increased security measures.
Lifeguard Recruitment and Training
In March, Berlin swimming pool operators began offering application days for lifeguard positions. A current silver lifeguard badge, valid for no more than two years, is a prerequisite for the role. Operators are providing free training and testing to help potential candidates obtain the necessary certification, with an open invitation to “approach by, introduce yourself, get started.” Alongside lifeguard positions, the pools are also seeking trainees for regular apprenticeships in swimming pool operations.
A Rise in Pool-Related Violence
Recent years have seen a troubling increase in incidents of violence at German outdoor swimming pools. In late February 2026, police were called to clear and shut down an outdoor swimming pool in Berlin’s Neukölln district following a fight that broke out near the slide. Just days prior, another pool in Pankow was closed after a dispute between two young people and two lifeguards escalated into a brawl involving approximately 30 individuals.
These incidents are not isolated to Berlin. A mass brawl involving over 40 people at a pool in Mannheim resulted in knife injuries to a 24-year-classic man in June 2025. Similar outbreaks of violence have been reported in Karlsruhe, where a pool attendant was severely beaten and hospitalized.
Underlying Causes and Concerns
While pool operators maintain that these incidents are isolated and do not reflect the overall experience of millions of visitors, police officials express concern. Jochen Kopelke, head of Germany’s largest police trade union, noted a decline in the “ability to resolve conflicts respectfully and without violence.”
The causes behind this surge in violence are subject to debate, with theories ranging from the combination of heat, alcohol, and crowds to broader societal issues. Peter Harzheim, president of the Federal Association of German Pool Attendants (BDS), warns of a “dangerous development in German society,” suggesting that clashes between different cultural groups can contribute to escalating tensions. He also reports a nationwide increase in complaints regarding misconduct by some bathers.
Pool Closures and Staff Wellbeing
The Columbiabad swimming pool in Berlin’s Neukölln borough recently closed due to staff absences attributed to “stress” resulting from incidents of violence and harassment. Staff reported instances of vandalism, physical attacks, and harassment, including reports of “feces smeared on the walls” and assaults on swimmers and staff. The municipal agency responsible for the pool acknowledged that the behavior of some patrons was an “extreme burden” on employees and “not sustainable in the long run.”
Looking Ahead
As Berlin prepares for the outdoor swimming season, the require for adequate lifeguard staffing and enhanced security measures is becoming increasingly apparent. Addressing the underlying causes of violence and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both staff and visitors will be crucial for maintaining public pools as accessible and enjoyable spaces for all.