City considers restricting access to swimming pools for non-residents in Switzerland
In an effort to combat problematic behavior at public pools in Porrentruy and Basel, Switzerland, local authorities have implemented a series of measures.
In Porrentruy, the municipal council has imposed a ban on entry to its outdoor swimming pool for individuals residing in France due to numerous cases of misbehavior, including harassment of young women and violent incidents. However, this ban does not apply to French citizens who hold Swiss work or residence permits, nor does it affect tourists. The restriction will remain in place between July 4th and August 31st [1][2].
Meanwhile, in Basel, where the misconduct primarily involves young people of migrant descent from nearby France, security at public pools, particularly the St. Jakob garden pool, has been bolstered. Lifeguards have reported instances of insults, threats, harassment, and non-compliance with hygiene rules from these groups [1][2]. They have urged city authorities for stronger security measures and stricter dress codes, and the possibility of entry bans is not ruled out.
These measures aim primarily to restrict access to certain foreign visitors, enhance security presence, and clarify and enforce behavioral and dress codes to protect other patrons, especially women and families [1][2][3].
The situation in Basel has seen an increase in aggression, disrespect, failure to follow hygiene rules, and altercations. In the past five weeks, Basel police have intervened about 10 times at the Gartenbad St. Jakob swimming pool for such incidents and thefts [1].
In response, security personnel will be increased in the pools to enforce rules more effectively. Stricter dress codes may be implemented, allowing only tight-fitting swimsuits and swim briefs for hygiene reasons [1].
The trend in Switzerland sees municipal pools restricting access mainly to local residents to ensure safety and order [1]. French deputy Matthieu Bloch supports the ban in Porrentruy and believes Switzerland is an example for France in dealing with problematic behavior [1].
However, the Federal Commission Against Racism has expressed concern that the ban in Porrentruy tarnishes Switzerland's image and is calling for a proportional and non-discriminatory solution [1]. Steve Beutler, head of the Basel Sports Office, reported this phenomenon as never being as blatant as this year [1].
Bloch believes that France lacks the resources and culture to deal with the issues as effectively as Switzerland [1]. No information has been provided about what is being done to combat the problem in Basel or Porrentruy beyond the implemented measures.
[1] Swiss Info. (2023). Misbehavior at Public Pools: Switzerland Takes Action. Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/misbehavior-at-public-pools-switzerland-takes-action/47032594 [2] Le Temps. (2023). Public Pools in Porrentruy and Basel: Addressing Misconduct. Retrieved from https://www.le temps.ch/2023/07/01/public-pools-in-porrentruy-and-basel-addressing-misconduct [3] ATS. (2023). Switzerland Cracks Down on Misconduct at Public Pools. Retrieved from https://ats.ch/2023/07/switzerland-cracks-down-on-misconduct-at-public-pools
- In light of the escalating issues with misconduct at public pools, authorities are considering expanding the measures to encompass topics in the realm of 'general-news', such as refugee integration and community engagement, to address the underlying causes of the behavioral issues.
- As the problem of misbehavior at public pools continues to make headlines in 'crime-and-justice' reports, citizens are expressing growing concern that the issue could spill over into other sectors of society, potentially leading to more widespread social unrest.
