At the Königsbad in Forchheim, the consequences of the staffing shortage are already visible. On a chilly yet sunny morning, the pool lies empty, save for a lone duck paddling through the swimming lane. The image is symbolic of the city council’s new policy — the outdoor pool now only opens when temperatures reach at least 24 degrees Celsius. On cooler days, swimmers must head to the neighboring indoor pool instead.
New Operational Rule: Only One Pool Open at a Time in Forchheim
This system marks a departure from previous years, when both indoor and outdoor pools remained open simultaneously during the summer months. Due to the shortage of lifeguards, Forchheim has adopted a rotational schedule. While the Königsbad staff operates in shifts, the number of trained professionals is currently insufficient to maintain both facilities at full capacity.
“The staffing situation is stretching us to the limit this year,” says Herbert Fuchs, head of Forchheim’s municipal pool services.
Real-Time Updates Help Manage Expectations
To keep swimmers informed, Königsbad now provides real-time updates online, indicating daily whether the outdoor pool will open. Decisions are based on common weather apps and local temperature forecasts. If the threshold of 24°C is met, the facility opens.
Meanwhile, recruitment efforts are underway. Forchheim is reaching out to organizations such as the German Lifesaving Association (DLRG), the water rescue service, adult education centers, and local swimming clubs in a bid to attract lifeguards.
A Widespread Issue Across Bavaria
The situation in Forchheim reflects a broader trend affecting pools across Bavaria. Cities and towns have long struggled with a lack of trained staff to ensure safe operations. In Tirschenreuth (Upper Palatinate), the outdoor pool now stays closed on Mondays and Wednesdays, while on other days it operates for just six hours, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. In Straubing (Lower Bavaria), officials are considering closing specific features like the diving platform or adventure pool due to staffing shortages.
Personnel costs remain the largest expenditure for pool operations, but qualified staff is also the most critically needed resource.
Nuremberg’s Lifeguard Recruitment Campaign Shows Results
To address the shortfall, some municipalities have launched targeted recruitment campaigns. Nuremberg, for example, initiated a wide-ranging public awareness campaign last year under the slogan “Lifesavers Wanted.” Advertisements were placed across more than 80 billboards throughout the city, promoting jobs at the seven municipal pools.
The campaign paid off, says Matthias Bach, head of NürnbergBad: “We were able to hire around 20 new employees.” While many of the new hires are part-time, the overall impact has been positive. Thanks to the additional staff, Nuremberg’s pools have been able to operate without any service reductions.
Forchheim is now preparing its own advertising push. If successful, this could lead to an easing of current restrictions and potentially extend pool opening hours later in the summer.
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