Even bans on entry don't stop them - swimming pool closes at lunchtime because young migrants are causing trouble there

Even bans on entry don't stop them - swimming pool closes at lunchtime because young migrants are causing trouble there Article from FOCUS Online • 59 million • 2 minutes reading time There is trouble in the "Schwimmoper" in Wuppertal. The swimming pool has recently started closing for an hour at lunchtime on weekends to get rid of aggressive young people with a migrant background. They cause trouble there and harass other guests. Many of them can't even swim. The "Schwimmoper" in Wuppertal is not a classic indoor pool, but primarily a sports pool. Many people go there primarily to swim. But now the "Schwimmoper" is closing for an hour at lunchtime on weekends - because of people who mostly can't swim. "These groups of young foreign men stand in the non-swimmers' pool or sit in the stands, then suddenly they start to form packs and there is a hail of insults and harassment," Alexandra Szilagowski, head of the sports and swimming pool department in Wuppertal, told "Bild". "The situation has gotten worse and worse." There have also been cases of sexual harassment in the changing room area. Ban on entry does not stop young people: "They simply don't comply" There were twelve security operations there in July alone, mainly because of young people with a migrant background. Like all young people under 17, they come to the "swimming opera" for 1.50 euros - a real bargain. Most of them can't even swim, which is why they get bored over time, reports Szilagowski. "Then people start to provoke people, groups form and there's trouble. The staff and other guests are insulted and harassed." However, bans imposed as a result of this did not bring any relief. "They simply don't comply and come anyway." There is also a lack of staff to carry out ID checks at the entrance. "We welcome all bathers who follow the rules" Now the lunch break at the weekend, when the pool is closed for an hour, should help. "We can't just stand by and let it continue. We're not a water park, but a pure swimming pool." The innovation, which premiered last weekend, raised questions among regulars, but no complaints, reports the head of the sports and pool office. "That makes me hopeful. Because we welcome all bathers who follow the rules. Children should learn to swim without fear. And it must stay that way."