Although there was no shortage of complaints about lukewarm temperatures, little sunshine and too much rain this summer, 2012 saw considerably more visitors to Giessen's outdoor pools: the number of visitors rose by around 40 per cent compared to the previous year, as reported by Stadtwerke Giessen (SWG). The outdoor pool at the Ringallee bathing centre recorded around 83,000 visitors; the outdoor pools in Kleinlinden and Lützellinden attracted just under 11,000 and around 12,000 bathers respectively.
And SWG has also learnt something else this summer: The people of Giessen are real early risers. The early swimmers' programme at the Ringallee outdoor pool was once again particularly popular.
Vigilant rescuers
Despite all the fun in the water, things can quickly turn serious. This is demonstrated by an incident that occurred this year at the outdoor pool in Ringallee. "A swimmer developed a heart problem and fainted in the sports pool," recalls Reinhard Paul, Technical Director of SWG. "Our employees immediately pulled the man out of the water and resuscitated him. He is now feeling better again." Such incidents show why SWG makes no compromises when training its employees. SWG board member Reinhard Paul: "Before every single outdoor pool season, we literally train all employees in the pool area, from cleaners to pool supervisors. As a rule, anyone who is allowed anywhere near a pool has received advanced training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation."
17.09.2012