Overview: Prevalence of Understaffing in Baths as Revealed by Survey
Staff Shortages Affect Operating Hours of German Swimming Pools
Berlin - A survey by the Association of Municipal Enterprises reveals that numerous swimming pools in Germany are grappling with staff shortages. Thirty-eight percent of the polled indoor and outdoor pools have not filled all their positions by the start of the month. More than a quarter of the pools have over ten percent of their positions vacant.
This staffing crunch could lead to adjustments in the operating hours of outdoor pools, which are commencing or already operational for the season. Twelve percent of operators admitted that they had to close temporarily during weekends last season due to staff shortages or overcrowding.
Impact on Pool Opening Hours
"Germany's high demand for a limited supply of pools and lifeguards is increasing," noted Ingbert Liebing, CEO of the association. Demographic changes could exacerbate this trend. "Just like a restaurant's opening hours are dictated by the chef, in the future, the lifeguard team's availability will determine the pool's operating hours."
Some pools are incorporating AI-assisted video surveillance to support lifeguards in indoor pools. However, using AI in outdoor pools is more costly and complex, as more cameras are required.
Potential of AI in Pool Management
According to the survey, thirty-four percent of operators plan to use AI for water surveillance over the next three years. Currently, this technology is seldom employed. Camera-based systems, for instance, can recognize a drowning person on the pool floor and send an alert.
The new aspect of AI-assisted technology is its preventative approach - identifying potential movement patterns before an emergency occurs, allowing lifeguards to intervene promptly.
Legal Concerns about AI Use
Many pool operators find the legal situation ambiguous, according to the survey. Regulators are challenged on data protection. "AI can save lives. Therefore, its legal use should be ensured," demanded Liebing. Some respondents also highlighted the high cost of systems or the potential acceptance issues among pool users.
The German Society for Bathing's "Bäderatlas" lists over 6,000 indoor and outdoor pools nationwide. The Association of Municipal Enterprises represents more than 1,500 municipal utilities and companies in sectors such as energy, water, and wastewater.
The advancement in AI surveillance technology applicable to pool environments presents strong potential for alleviating staff shortages by enhancing monitoring, safety, and incident response capabilities. While human lifeguards remain essential, AI is positioned as a supportive tool, with future developments likely expanding its role in lifeguarding and pool management.
- Incorporating AI technology for water surveillance could become a popular solution among pool operators to address staff shortages, as noted in the survey, with 34% of them planning to use AI over the next three years.
- The future of pool operating hours might be determined by the availability of lifeguard teams, much like restaurant opening hours are dictated by the chef, as suggested by Ingbert Liebing, the CEO of the Association of Municipal Enterprises.
- The advancement in AI technology, particularly its preventative approach, can help identify potential movement patterns before an emergency occurs, allowing lifeguards to intervene promptly, thereby improving health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and lifestyle choices at home-and-garden settings.
