Germany’s Green Party is advocating for a nationwide initiative to improve access to natural swimming areas in lakes and rivers, citing increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves as a driving factor. Julia Verlinden, Deputy Parliamentary Group Leader, emphasized the connection between the climate crisis and extreme weather events, arguing for proactive political measures to provide citizens with cooling options during periods of high temperatures while prioritizing environmental and nature conservation.
The proposed “bathing offensive” focuses on providing financial support from federal funds to municipalities for enhancing water quality and safety at designated swimming locations. A central tenet of the plan is the development of natural swimming areas as a complement to traditional public swimming pools, leveraging existing, but currently underutilized, waterways. Many cities and towns possess natural water features – lakes, rivers and canals – that could be adapted for recreational use, the party argues.
Currently, swimming in these natural bodies of water can present both health and safety concerns due to potential water quality issues and limited accessibility. The Green Party is calling for a dedicated federal program to assist municipalities in regularly monitoring and assessing water quality in lakes and rivers. Successful models in other major cities, such as Paris and the existing “bathing site monitoring” system in Berlin are cited as potential benchmarks.
Beyond water quality and safety, the initiative also emphasizes inclusivity. The party seeks to improve accessibility to swimming locations, particularly for elderly individuals and people with disabilities, ensuring a “barrier-free” experience wherever possible. Verlinden highlighted the importance of finding relief from extreme heat, stating “Heat is creating difficulties for everyone and nothing feels as good as a refreshing swim when the temperature exceeds 30 degrees Celsius”.
