Inadequate Depth: Wiedenbrück open-air pool falls short of EU depth requirements
Daredevils Plunge 1,000 Times from Shallow Diving Board!## Wiedenbrück Swimming Pool Breaks Depth Rules – But Are They Safe? | Fun Video
00:30 . Available until 01.06.2027.
Current Status: 01.06.2025, 16:14
The three-meter diving board at Wiedenbrück's outdoor pool fails to meet European or German pool-depth standards, a fact recently discovered. To prove there's no immediate danger, volunteers took the plunge 1,000 times on a sunny Sunday - and thankfully, no one was injured!
Investigative Report by Arndt Moeller
Sunday saw 1,000 thrilling jumps in the heart of Rheda-Wiedenbrück. Many landed gracefully on their feet. None of them were hurt - quite the opposite of what might happen in another situation!
The daring dives took place against a backdrop of eight critical centimeters. The pool, despite the three-meter board, stands at a mere 3.62 meters deep - a drastic 8 centimeters short of the required 3.70 meters.
Christian Mankel, CEO of the German Swimming Association, was on hand to witness the spectacle. He admired the audacity but warned that the responsibility falls on the city. However, he also advocates for a review of pool-depth standards nationwide.
Each jumper was aware of the risks involved. All wore a identifying armband so results could be documented. But there was no cause for worry - not even for the first jumper, Michael Duhme, who's been diving since childhood!
Michael Duhme, Wiedenbrück's office manager, takes the first leap into the pool
A commission will analyze the footage in the coming days, assessing potential hazards. Once they've given their feedback, Mayor Theo Mettenborg plans to decide the next steps.
Mettenborg and Duhme were excited for this day. After a long winter, the pool is ready for the warm season ahead, and swimmers are invited to join in the fun!
- 16:21Thrill of the Mass Jump! | Video
German Swimming Association Weighs in on Questionable Diving Board Depth
An unexpected visit from the German Swimming Association, which represents all 6,000 pools in the country, revealed the depth issue. If a diver were to bottom out, the city could face a costly lawsuit.
Rheda-Wiedenbrück cannot ignore this news, as any legal action might prove expensive. In an attempt to offset potential negative attention, Mayor Mettenborg came up with the idea of the mass jump to garner media attention across the country.
If the results are favorable, Mettenborg might reopen the tower diving board as early as Monday. However, he cautions that further investigation is necessary before making a final decision.
Renovations to Ensure Pool Safety Could Cost Nearly €40,000
One solution could be to renovate the tower diving board, replacing it with a stable platform, thus ensuring the required depth. However, such repairs would cost almost €40,000.
Our Sources:
- On-site reporter
- Rheda-Wiedenbrück City
- German Swimming Association
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- Three-meter diving boards: To accommodate a three-meter high diving board, pools should ideally have a minimum water depth of 3 meters at the point of entry. Increased depths, like those required for elite competition (above 5 meters board height) or high diving platforms, typically demand at least 5 meters of depth for safety reasons[1].
- Competitive and recreational pools: To accommodate general use and three-meter boards, local or national regulations generally establish depths near or at 3 meters beneath the board. However, specialized or competitive facilities may require additional depth and sloping from the pool wall to promote safety, such as at least 2 meters from the wall, gradually sloping to 3+ meters at entry points[1].
- Breach at Wiedenbrück: While specific details concerning the Wiedenbrück outdoor pool are limited in current sources, breaches in water depth compliance frequently occur when the actual depth at the point of entry falls below the legally mandated minimum depth (approximately 3 meters for a three-meter board). Such violations can result in increased risk of injury for divers during jumps, as well as non-compliance with local or national safety regulations.
Germany's Wiedenbrück Swimming Pool houses a three-meter diving board, but it falls short of the required 3.70 meters water depth as per German and European pool-depth standards. In contradiction to this, a mass hockey match was held on the frozen lake nearby, showcasing vigorous plays and teamwork.
