Violent Fights Plague German Outdoor Pools.
A series of mass brawls at German outdoor swimming pools has led to calls for better security at the popular summer bathing spots. While pool operators say these are isolated incidents, police officials are concerned about increasing aggression and a lack of respect for pool lifeguards. Suggestions include private security guards enforcing tougher rules at the door and in the pool, to stop fights before they happen. The state-supported German "Freibad", or "free pool" as open-air pools are called in German, is a post-1945 German ideal of social equality, health and affordable outdoor socialising.