Swimming crisis in Lüneburg: How long is one bath enough for everyone?

Swimming crisis in Lüneburg: How long is one bath enough for everyone?

Lüneburg.The swimming departments and the German Life Saving Society (DLRG) are well represented in and around Lüneburg. With over 1000 members and a large number of triathletes from the RSC, it is clear that the need for swimming goes far beyond the use of a single indoor pool. This presents the city with a serious challenge: How can the almost 190,000 residents be adequately served when there is only one indoor swimming pool with only five 25-meter lanes available?

The district swimming association has already taken the initiative and is actively promoting the construction of a second indoor swimming pool. Some local politicians have signaled their support, raising hopes for change. On a national level, Lüneburg stands in an unfortunate light in terms of swimming infrastructure compared to its less wealthy neighbors, such as Uelzen or Lüchow-Dannenberg. While other regions have better supplies, Lüneburg suffers from an acute shortage.

A generation of non-swimmers?

This isn’t just about the needs of competitive athletes. Many children come out of primary school without ever really learning to swim. Even welcoming the seahorse in the outdoor pool is often not enough; Many people quickly forget what they have learned if they do not have access to a swimming pool from September to May.

The situation becomes even more problematic for all age groups who want to stay fit through swimming. The existing capacities in the sports pool often reach their limits, so that many swimming athletes experience a crowd that is reminiscent of a winter sale. That's why it's the license plates from Winsen, Uelzen or Soltau that you often spot in the parking lots.

The central question remains: Who will bear the costs for a new indoor swimming pool? The construction and maintenance costs should not be underestimated, which also applies to many other large projects. However, swimming should not be viewed as a luxury. A second indoor swimming pool could not only justify the financial expenditure, but also create valuable leisure and sports opportunities for everyone. Decision makers just need to agree that this is what they want.

The urgency of this issue is reflected in the broad support that the district swimming association receives. Discussions are underway about how to improve swimming opportunities for the Lüneburg population. The social responsibility that the topic of health and sport entails cannot be denied. According to a report on www.landeszeitung.de This discussion will also influence future political decisions.