Establishing designated visitor areas for open-air bathing - 'Badewiese' Implementation
In an effort to prioritise preventive health measures and strengthen tobacco control regulations, more swimming pools across Germany are implementing smoking zones and visitor restrictions. This shift comes in response to new EU-level recommendations adopted in 2024, which emphasise the importance of protecting individuals from smoke and aerosols, not just indoors but also in outdoor spaces where people gather closely, such as swimming pools.
One of the cities leading this change is Witten, where special zones have been introduced in public pools. These zones aim to create smoke-free environments and reduce exposure to harmful tobacco smoke for patrons. The rationale behind these changes is rooted in the health risks associated with passive smoking, such as the risk of lung cancer.
While some visitors may find these changes disruptive, operators of swimming pools are receiving support from those disturbed by cigarette smoke. The increased number of special zones in pools across the country is causing a change in the pool-going experience, with some guests expressing dissatisfaction. However, the benefits of these restrictions extend beyond health concerns.
Tobacco smoke and cigarette waste pose environmental and health risks around swimming pools. Cigarette butts and their toxic chemical residues can harm aquatic life and pollute water systems, motivating stricter controls on smoking near pools to maintain cleaner and safer environments.
In addition to smoking policies, separate visitor restrictions, such as tighter attire regulations, have been observed at some German pools. These rules may reflect facility-specific rules for hygiene or safety.
Despite the criticism, the number of smoke-free pools is likely to continue to rise in the future. This trend aligns with Germany’s broader consumer protection and preventive healthcare initiatives targeting tobacco-related harms.
However, not all pools have adopted smoke-free policies. Some facilities, like the one in Witten, have designated smoking areas to cater to smokers while ensuring the safety and health of non-smokers and children. Yet, not all visitors agree with the location of these smoking areas, finding it difficult to keep an eye on children when they are far away.
The increase in entrance fees, as of May 2025, by 5.7% compared to the previous year, is another change in the pool-going experience. This development, according to the Federal Statistical Office, is a result of the additional costs associated with implementing these new regulations.
As summer holidays approach, many families are having to adjust their plans due to these restrictions in pools. Despite this, the overall goal of these changes is to promote healthier recreational spaces and protect the wellbeing of all visitors.
- Implementing smoking zones and visitor restrictions in swimming pools, such as those in Witten, aims to promote healthier lifestyles by reducing exposure to tobacco smoke and its associated health risks, like lung cancer.
- Proper home-and-garden maintenance includes keeping cigarette butts and tobacco waste far from outdoor-living spaces like pools, as cigarette residues can harm aquatic life and pollute water systems, negatively impacting the quality of surrounding environments.
