Shortage of staff in pools: swimming master wanted – summer is coming!

Shortage of staff in pools: swimming master wanted – summer is coming!

The lack of staff in indoor and outdoor swimming pools is an emerging problem in Germany. According to a survey by the Association of Municipal Companies, 38 percent of the pools surveyed had not filled all positions at the beginning of the month. This survey included 113 operators of municipal pools and shows that in more than one in four pools, more than 10 percent of the positions are unfilled. These grievances have a direct impact on operations, as 12 percent of operators had to temporarily close on weekends last season due to a lack of staff or overcrowding ZVW reported.

The high demand for swimming opportunities among citizens is met with an increasingly scarce supply of pools and swimming instructors. This problem is further exacerbated by demographic change, which could deepen the shortage of skilled workers in this area. To counteract this trend, some operators are relying on modern technologies such as AI-based video surveillance to support swimming masters. 34 percent of operators intend to use AI systems for water supervision in the next three years, although the use of such technologies is complex and expensive due to the higher camera effort in outdoor pools.

Challenges for the bathroom industry

The challenges in the pool industry are also highlighted by the results of a study led by Prof. Dr. Jürgen Franke from Osnabrück University explains. The study entitled “Status and future of pool companies: Pool staff as a success factor” was commissioned by the German Bathing Society. Among other things, it addresses the shortage of skilled workers and the energy crisis. Interviews with HR managers at pool companies shed light on current staff shortages and possible measures to attract and retain staff. Five areas of action to ensure the shortage of skilled workers are identified and prioritized, as shown DGfdB explained.

The situation at the outdoor pools has continued to worsen. In the summer of 2023, many outdoor pools had to remain closed because there is a lack of around 3,000 swimming champions nationwide, as the Federal Association of German Swimming Masters (BDS) states. The job of swimming master is characterized by great responsibility, but the low starting salary of just 2,200 euros gross deters potential applicants. Armin Bölke, a swimming master from Mundelsheim in Baden-Württemberg, describes in detail the challenges that his work entails and emphasizes the psychological stress caused by his role as a lifesaver and the negative atmosphere caused by riots and drug abuse in the outdoor pool.

Consequences of the staff shortage

The additional burden caused by a lack of staff means that around 80 of over 6,000 indoor and outdoor swimming pools in Germany have to close every year. At the same time, the German Life Saving Society (DLRG) warns that 59 percent of ten-year-old children cannot swim safely. This could be due to the decline in swimming lessons and is another warning sign for the future swimming ability of the new generation.

The combination of the current challenges in pool companies and the profound social changes could endanger swimming culture in Germany in the long term if adequate solutions are not found.