Disappointing Commencement of Open-Water Swimming Period - Disappointing commencement of outdoor swimming period
Outdoor Swimming Season in Berlin Struggles with Slow Start
In the opening weeks of the outdoor swimming season in Berlin, attendance has been sluggish. According to the Berlin Baths Operations, a mere 43,541 people have visited so far, significantly less than the 112,096 who attended during the same timeframe last year.
The cool weather is believed to be the primary culprit behind the subpar attendance. Last May, the temperature rarely surpassed 25 degrees, but this year, the mercury has only climbed above that mark on two occasions. In contrast, the previous year saw ten days punctuated by temperatures of 25 degrees or higher.
The weather's impact on attendance is further supported by attendance figures from 2023, which still outpaced this year's numbers despite a cooler May. The spokesperson for the Baths Operations attributed this discrepancy to differences in the weather, noting that while the water temperature remained consistent between the two years, the weather varied.
Another factor that may be discouraging attendants is the implementation of new prices. However, it's too early to tell whether this pricing changes have resulted in a decrease in attendance, as the Baths Operations emphasized that only six percent of all summer pool visits occur in May and there are still significant discounts and offers available.
Meanwhile, several pools will be heated to 22 degrees this season, including one in Kreuzberg and Freibad Wilmersdorf, as well as two pools at Sommerbad Seestraße in Wedding. The remaining pools and baths rely on the sun's warmth, with some water being guided through kilometer-long black hoses to increase temperature.
Online ticket sales are available, and early birds and families with children can enjoy discounted rates. The pool's current occupancy can also be viewed online to determine if a rush on tickets is necessary on particularly hot days.
While no specific data is available for the 2025 outdoor swimming season, factors such as unfavorable weather conditions, economic downturns, increased costs associated with pool visits, alternative leisure activities, facility issues, and insufficient marketing efforts could contribute to lower attendance compared to previous years. However, more accurate data and insights into the situation are needed for definitive conclusions.
In light of the slow start to the outdoor swimming season in Berlin, a community policy on offering vocational training for lifeguards might be beneficial to address any potential staff shortages due to economic downturns or increased costs associated with pool visits. Additionally, incorporating science-based health-and-wellness programs, such as fitness-and-exercise classes, could attract more visitors to the pools during cooler weather, thus increasing attendance and enhancing the overall experience for the community.
