Swiss Towns Enact Pool Entry Ban for Foreigners
In a move reportedly triggered by an increase in harassment incidents against young women, several Swiss towns have imposed restrictions preventing most foreigners from accessing public swimming pools.
Specifically, the municipality of Pollentruis, near the French border, will enforce this ban from July 4 to August 31. Only Swiss residents will be permitted to enter the pools during this period. Local news sources indicate that over 20 individuals have already been barred from using these facilities.
Mayor Lionel Maitre highlighted that the decision stems from harassment issues involving young women, inappropriate remarks, and even violent behavior, pointing out that existing security measures have been insufficient.
This regulation isn’t aimed solely at French nationals; in fact, Swiss offenders make up a smaller portion of the problem. Benjamin Fischer, a member of the Swiss People’s Party (SVP), expressed his support for the local government’s actions, noting that the harassment often involves young men from the Maghreb region, Syria, and Afghanistan. He described the behavior as systematic and particularly targeting young women.
Fischer remarked that this is a broader concern affecting various parts of Switzerland, stating, “Outdoor pools have turned into a free hunting ground for young men who aren’t accustomed to seeing women in bikinis.” While foreign tourists can still use the pools by obtaining vacation passes from local accommodations, this has stirred debates about safety and security in public spaces.
Similar concerns about alleged violence by foreigners in public places have arisen across Europe. In Germany, for instance, it was reported that foreign nationals accounted for nearly two-thirds of sexual assault incidents in outdoor pools last year, according to data from the German Federal Criminal Police. Out of 367 suspects identified, 237 were non-German.
In one notable incident in Germany, four Syrian men were accused of harassing nine girls, aged 11 to 17, at a local pool, with reports indicating unwanted physical contact.
