Sexual assaults in outdoor pools: This is how the authorities react!

Sexual assaults in outdoor pools: This is how the authorities react!

In recent days, frightening incidents of sexual assault have been reported in several outdoor swimming pools in Germany. The Ludwigsburg police headquarters reports at least four cases of sexual harassment in and around Ludwigsburg that are worrying. These incidents are now leading to investigations that are also being carried out in other cities such as Hamburg and Ludwigshafen.

A 25-year-old man was arrested at the Asperg outdoor swimming pool and is accused of masturbating on a bubble lounger in the non-swimmers' pool while he was watched by a 13-year-old boy and his friends. The boys informed the lifeguard, who held the suspect until the police arrived. Another incident occurred in the Biesinger outdoor pool, where a 27-year-old man attacked a 14-year-old during a handstand and stroked another 14-year-old's arm. Although he was reported by the girls, he was released after his arrest and personal details were taken. The police are investigating sexual harassment here.

Further incidents in Germany

The situation is not just limited to Ludwigsburg. In Hamburg, a 24-year-old man was accused of sexually harassing a 14-year-old girl. Police employees at the Bondenwald swimming pool alerted the police when the man tried to escape. However, he was caught, given a residence ban and criminal proceedings were initiated.

There were also reports in Ludwigsafen of four girls and women between the ages of 13 and 28 being touched underwater by a 36-year-old Bulgarian man. Security staff called the police, who arrested the suspect. Sexual harassment investigations are ongoing.

Incidents in Hesse and Gelnhausen

In Hesse, a particularly worrying incident was recently reported in Barbarossabad Gelnhausen, in which four young Syrians (ages 18-28) molested eight underage girls. As if these events weren't enough, a 31-year-old Romanian was arrested in the Babenhausen swimming pool after inappropriately touching three 10-year-old girls. Both suspects now face criminal charges.

The increase in such attacks in public facilities such as swimming pools raises alarm bells for the safety of visitors, especially children and young people. The great need for safety in leisure facilities is taken seriously by the police and investigations are continuing to bring perpetrators to justice. Confidence in the safety of public places must not be undermined and it is of the utmost importance that such incidents are quickly and fully investigated. [t-online] reports that it is high time to review and strengthen security precautions in leisure centers in order to prevent such frightening events in the future.

For more information about these incidents and the ongoing investigation, see also [Blue Light MYK].