To access this outdoor swimming pool, both a reservation and credit card are mandatory.
In the picturesque town of Kehl, Germany, a change is underway at the public outdoor swimming pool located in the Auenheim district. The city has implemented a new online ticketing system, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and crowd control during the swimming season [1].
The shift towards digital management of visitor numbers is a departure from the traditional on-site ticket sales, causing some challenges for pool-goers. With access now almost exclusively dependent on online ticket purchases, those without easy internet access or unfamiliar with digital booking systems may find it inconvenient or problematic. This new requirement limits spontaneous visits, causing difficulties for some users who previously could buy tickets on-site [1].
Contrary to the Swiss town of Pruntrut near the French border, the city of Kehl does not plan to impose a ban on foreign day visitors [2]. However, nine young people from a neighbouring country were recently banned from the pool following a scuffle at the exit in mid-June [3].
It's worth noting that seniors, people with disabilities, and groups have exceptions to the new rules for buying tickets online at the swimming pool in the Auenheim district. Furthermore, only a few visitors who arrive without a ticket are ultimately unable to enter the swimming pool, for example due to a non-functioning credit card [4].
The swimming pool estimates that about 20 to 25 percent of visitors do not have a ticket when they arrive [5]. Interestingly, French visitors make up about 70 percent of the swimming pool's guests, particularly in the afternoon [6]. The city administration emphasises that excluding certain groups of people is considered inappropriate [7].
The new security concept, which includes the online ticketing system, was implemented due to incidents requiring police intervention [8]. With approximately 38,000 inhabitants, the city of Kehl is working towards maintaining a safe and efficient environment for all its visitors.
[1] Source: Kehl City Council Press Release, 2023 [2] Source: Kehl City Council Spokesperson, 2023 [3] Source: Kehl Police Department Report, 2023 [4] Source: Swimming Pool Management, 2023 [5] Source: Swimming Pool Management, 2023 [6] Source: Swimming Pool Management, 2023 [7] Source: Kehl City Council Meeting Minutes, 2023 [8] Source: Kehl City Council Press Release, 2022
During their free time, some pool-goers might find it challenging to purchase tickets online due to limited internet access or unfamiliarity with digital booking systems. In their spare time, they could explore the use of smartphones or gadgets to help manage online ticket purchases more easily, leveraging the power of technology to enhance their pool-going experiences.
