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Alarming increase: More sexual assaults in Donauwörth outdoor pools!
Increasing attacks in Donau-Ries: 2024 increase of 18% in crimes in outdoor pools, lifeguards demand more support.
Alarming increase: More sexual assaults in Donauwörth outdoor pools!
The summer days are just around the corner and the outdoor pools in the Donau-Ries district invite you to enjoy a refreshing break. But dark clouds are gathering because the safety of bathers is increasingly in doubt. According to a report by the Augsburg General Crimes against sexual self-determination in pools and bathing areas in Bavaria increased by 18 percent in 2024. The Bavarian State Criminal Police Office (LKA) recorded a total of 227 registered acts of harassment and rape.
These alarming figures can lead to uncertainty among bathers. The region around Donauwörth and Nördlingen is particularly affected, where fear of attacks is growing noticeably. The increasing number of incidents raise questions: What is going on in our outdoor pools?
The pressure on the staff
Lifeguards often find themselves in a dilemma these days. When they are informed of attacks, they often feel overwhelmed. Ralf Großmann, the chairman of the Bavarian State Association of Swimming Masters, draws attention to the need for more support from politicians and operators. “We need targeted training so that we can respond better to such situations,” he explains, as on the platform BR.de can be read.
Bathers themselves are also asked to get active. If you observe any incidents, you should immediately inform staff or call the police. This could help prevent further attacks.
A complex problem
A possible reason for the increase in numbers could be a change in the law in 2021 that makes secret images of the intimate area a criminal offense. This led to more incidents being reported by those affected, which influenced the statistics. In 2024, almost all suspects were men, which caused some debate. Information about the origin of the suspects is controversial and experts warn against making general suspicions.
The necessary education is of central importance for experts. “Prevention is the key,” emphasizes one expert. Training for staff and clear rules in the pools could make a significant contribution to improving the security situation. However, criminal lawyer Sonka Mehner emphasizes that suspicion does not automatically mean guilt and calls for more comprehensive studies into the backgrounds of the suspects.
At a time when the desire for carefree summer days is great, it is now up to all of us to ensure greater safety in our outdoor pools. Because everyone should be able to plunge into the water without fear. So let's stay vigilant and ensure that our leisure places remain places of enjoyment.