Strict bathing regulations in Baden-Württemberg: Burkinis and slack pants prohibited!

Strict bathing regulations in Baden-Württemberg: Burkinis and slack pants prohibited!

In several outdoor pools in Baden-Württemberg, strict clothing regulations now apply. These measures were introduced to improve water quality and to ensure hygiene. According to the new regulations, Burkinis as well as wide swimming shorts and swimwear with pockets are prohibited.

The decision to issue these regulations is the result of experiences from the past bathing season. In the outdoor pools, this should not only ensure hygiene, but also the economy of the companies. "Long swimwear can bring dirt into the water and increases the cleaning effort," said a spokesman for the outdoor pools. In particular, pockets that can accommodate old handkerchiefs or leftovers are a direct risk of water quality.

new regulations and their reasoning

The new rules state that men and women are only allowed to wear close bathing clothes that are not enough over their knees or elbows. This applies, among other things, to the parking swimming pool in Lörrach and the leisure and family pool in Müllheim. The swimwear must also consist of synthetic fiber, since cotton is no longer allowed. If you don't stick to it, you risk out.

These regulations ensure heated discussions in public because critics find the Burkini ban as discriminatory. Some Greens politicians in particular have publicly spoken out against these requirements. On the other hand, there are supporters, such as the police unionist Manuel Ostermann, who sees the regulations as an important step towards the individual freedom of women.

background information on water quality

The new guidelines are also part of a broader strategy for water treatment, which has been valid since the new version of the 19643 standard in 2012. This standard ensures consistent water quality in public swimming pools and is intended to protect the health of bathers from pathogens. The Infection Protection Act also calls for regular monitoring of water quality by the health authorities that use DIN 19643 to ensure that all regulations are complied with.

The discussion about the new bathing rules in Baden-Württemberg shows how strongly hygiene and integration issues are interwoven. A signal is set with the new regulations that should not only promote cleanliness in outdoor pools, but also reflects and challenge social norms.

For the outdoor pools, compliance with these standards is an important challenge, both in terms of hygiene and with regard to the acceptance of visitors.