Unwanted sexual advances in outdoor hot spring facilities: manager immune from reprimand
In the heart of Hesse, a public swimming pool in the town of Gelnhausen has been at the centre of a nationwide controversy. On June 22, 2025, a disturbing incident occurred at the Barbarossa Baths, with four Syrian men accused of sexually harassing eight girls aged between 11 and 16.
The incident, which took place in the whirlpool area, involved the men allegedly touching the girls inappropriately on their hair, chest, thighs, feet, and head. Despite the girls' loud protests, the men did not cease their actions. The suspects, aged between 18 and 28, were apprehended on-site, but five remain at large.
The local authorities have taken a firm stance against such behaviour, with the bath manager being suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. The manager, who has been temporarily reassigned, is under scrutiny for potential misconduct in handling the incident. It was reported that the manager sent the affected girls back into the swimming pool, instructing them to make noise if anything else happened.
The lifeguard, too, has come under criticism, with reports suggesting that they sent the girls back into the water after the allegations became known. The lifeguard association's comments regarding the incident may now prove detrimental to the manager.
Mayor Christian Litzinger (CDU) made an announcement regarding the incident, stating, "Temperatures can run high, emotions may run wild." The city emphasised that there is no talk of dismissal or immediate termination for the swimming pool manager.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with the police not ruling out the possibility of additional victims coming forward. The city of Gelnhausen, with a population of about 23,000, noted that this was the first such incident of the year in the town.
The incident has sparked renewed discussion about safety and migrant-related issues in public recreational facilities in Germany. The local administration has assured the public of a "zero tolerance" approach to such behaviour.
The CDU made a statement on July 1, 2025, regarding the incident, but Mayor Litzinger has not made any new statements since his initial announcement. The city remains vigilant, ensuring the safety and comfort of its residents and visitors at all times.
[1] Hessenschau, 2025. "Sexual Harassment Incident at Gelnhausen's Barbarossa Baths: Four Suspects Apprehended, Investigation Ongoing." [2] Politik, 2025. "Gelnhausen: Sexual Harassment Incident at Barbarossa Baths Makes Headlines Nationwide."
- In light of the sexual harassment incident at Gelnhausen's Barbarossa Baths, the local administration has broadened the discussion to encompass both safety measures in public recreational facilities and the integration of migrants within these spaces.
- As the controversy surrounding the food service at public facilities regularizes, some politicians have suggested combining discussions on general-news matters with migrations and crime-and-justice issues, arguing that these topics are inextricably linked in modern public life.
