Swiss Towns Restrict Access to Public Pools for Foreigners

Several towns in Switzerland have decided to ban foreigners from accessing public swimming pools due to a rise in harassment of young women. In Pollentruis, located near the French border, only Swiss citizens will be permitted to use the public pool from July 4th to August 31st. Reports indicate that over 20 individuals have already been barred from these facilities.

“The issue revolves around harassment targeted at young women, featuring inappropriate language and, at times, violent behavior despite prior warnings,” stated Mayor Lionel Maitre, noting that the current security measures are not sufficient.

This initiative isn’t aimed solely at French visitors; the mayor acknowledged that Swiss offenders represent a smaller proportion. Swiss People’s Party MP Benjamin Fischer expressed his support for the local government’s decision, commenting on the nature of the harassment.

“It’s mostly young men from Maghreb countries, Syria, and Afghanistan who, in groups, harass others, particularly young women,” he explained. Fischer pointed out that this concern is broader and extends beyond just one area in Switzerland, suggesting that public pools have become spaces where these behaviors go unchecked.

However, foreign tourists and commuters can still access the pools if they acquire a holiday card from local hotels or campsites. This measure has been reported by various news outlets.

Concerns regarding violence from foreigners in public swimming environments have been echoed in other parts of Europe. For instance, data from Germany revealed that nearly two-thirds of sexual assault cases in outdoor pools last year involved non-German nationals, highlighting a significant trend across the continent.

In a recent incident in Germany, four Syrian men allegedly harassed nine girls aged 11 to 17 at a local pool, an event that underscored the ongoing challenges faced in ensuring safety in these public spaces.