Unwanted photography is a problem at Basel’s outdoor swimming pools
The management of many of Germany's public outdoor pools have held discussions about a mobile phone ban ahead of the new season. A ban is already in force at most facilities. The reason: Time and time again, people are being photographed without their permission.
In the Swiss part of our region, taking pictures at public swimming pools has been prohibited for some time, but the use of mobile phones for calls or chatting is not. Nonetheless, there are recurring problems with unwanted photographs being taken.
Finally, the sun is out and the weather is warmer. This means: Off to the outdoor pools! This means: the smell of sunscreen and chlorine, and afternoons passing by in no time. Often, you take your mobile phone out to share the fun on Instagram or Facebook. But even before the season officially started, the management of various outdoor pools in Germany discussed a ban on taking pictures or even allowing people to use their mobile phones on their premises.
In Switzerland, there are no such rigorous measures. Simon Thiriet, head of communication at Basel-Stadt's Department of Education, told barfi.ch: «There is no ban on the use of mobile phones at outdoor swimming pools because so far, there have been no conflicts due to taking pictures.»
Rolf Moser, head of the public pools and ice rinks in Basel-Stadt, agreed. «Complaints by people who were photographed without their permission are rare,» he said. On average, the number of pictures taken at public swiming pools has not increased over the past few years. This is related to the good supervision, Mr Moser stated.
Interdiction often gets ignored
But you hear a different story when talking to employees at the pool facilities directly. «We take good care that guests do not take pictures,» an employee at Gartenbad St. Jakob said. Even though a sign stating «taking pictures forbidden» is clearly visible at the entrance to St. Jakob, such an interdiction is not taken seriously anymore in the age of Smartphones and self-presentation on social media. In everyday business, the employees pay attention that the general interdiction is valid in appropriate situations.
If a mother takes a picture of her child jumping around in the water, this is of course not a problem, a St. Jakob pool employee stated. However, things become problematic if visitors secretly take pictures of women or small children. This happens again and again, and lifeguards and fellow employees take action immediately in such cases. Rolf Moser confirmed this move: «Violations are subject to punishment, and in extreme cases, the police are called.»
Pictures only with permission
There is a strict ban on photography at the «Gitterli» swimming pool in Liestal. The reason for this step was that pictures of a paedophiliac nature were discovered on the Internet by the public prosecution of Baselland. A number of underwater pictures had even been taken, which is why there is an obligation for all swimmers to wear bathing clothes, even for babies. If someone would still like to take pictures of their children swimming or to post a photo about the cool afternoon spent with their best friend, he or she first needs to get the lifeguard’s permission.
A young mother told barfi.ch that she is very observant in the public pool area and takes good care that her baby remains protected. This includes the appropriate bathing clothing. All in all, you can still enjoy a summer afternoon in the public pools of our region. However, a watchful eye to look out for secret photographers may be necessary as well.
Robbery with knife at Claraplatz
A 32-year-old man was the victim of an attempted robbery at Claraplatz on Wednesday night. He was slightly injured.
Current investigations of the criminal police of Basel’s public prosecution reveal that the 32-year-old had gone to the post office at Claraplatz to check his bank account at an ATM at around 1.30am. While at the machine, he was suddenly approached by three unidentified men who asked him for cigarettes. When he denied their request, one of the men drew a knife and attacked him. The 32-year-old blocked the attack and sustained a knife wound to his hand. The attackers then fled without any money in an unknown direction. The victim went to the emergency services and afterwards filed a complaint with the police.
The police are looking for:
1. Unidentified man, 19-24 years old, white complexion, spoke High or Swiss German, well-groomed appearance, layered hairstyle, wore dark denim jacket.
2. Unidentified man, 19-24 years old, white complexion, spoke High German, well-groomed appearance, bald, wore dark denim jacket.
3. Unidentified man, 19-24 years old, white complexion, well-groomed appearance, medium-length hair slicked back with hair gel, wore a dark wool jacket with zipper in the middle.
Witnesses who can provide relevant information are requested to contact the criminal police of the public prosecution Basel-Stadt or to go to the nearest police station.
Motorist drives though Basel on wheel rim after accident
An inebriated car driver left a trail of damage in Basel yesterday. He continued to drive home on the wheel rim of a burst tyre and thereby made it easy for the police to find him: His car left a trail from the accident site to his underground garage.
The driver had a serious collision with four parked cars at Hegenheimerstrasse on Wednesday night, the cantonal police of Basel-Stadt informed. The parked cars as well as the driver’s vehicle sustained heavy damage. He then drove on for three-and-a-half kilometres to his underground garage on the wheel rim of a burst tyre.
As the tyreless wheel left a straight trail in the asphalt, the police had an easy job finding the man, they stated. The car driver was confronted and had his license taken away. According to the police, he was still drunk and confessed to having caused the accident.