Staffing Shortages Prevalent in Numerous Bathhouses
Germany Struggles with Swimming Pool Staff Shortages
Berlin - A survey by the Association of Municipal Enterprises has revealed that many swimming pools across Germany are grappling with staff shortages. As of the beginning of this month, 38 percent of the pools surveyed, both indoor and outdoor, have not filled all their positions. Over one in four pools have more than ten percent of their positions vacant.
This staff shortage could impact the opening hours of outdoor pools, which are currently starting or have already commenced their season. twelve percent of pool operators reported that they were compelled to close temporarily on weekends last season due to staff shortages or overcrowding.
"In Germany, the high demand for swimming pools meets a limited supply of lifeguards," said Ingbert Liebing, CEO of the association. This trend could worsen with demographic changes, according to Liebing. He added that, much like a chef in a restaurant determines the opening hours of the establishment they work in, in the future, the lifeguard team will decide the opening hours of the pool.
Some pools are resorting to AI-assisted video surveillance for water supervision in indoor pools. However, the use of AI in outdoor pools is more expensive and complex, requiring more cameras.
According to the survey, 34 percent of the operators plan to use AI for water supervision in the next three years. Currently, this technology is seldom used. Camera-based systems can detect a drowning person on the pool floor and raise the alarm.
There are, however, legal concerns about the use of AI. Many pool operators find the legal situation unclear, according to the survey. Data protection is a particular challenge. "AI can save lives. Therefore, its use is important and should be legally secured," demanded Liebing.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the proposed European Union's Artificial Intelligence Act are relevant considerations. Ensuring compliance with these laws in terms of data processing and privacy is crucial. In cases where AI systems fail to identify or respond to emergencies, there could be legal implications under national tort law or product liability laws.
The Association of Municipal Enterprises represents more than 1,500 municipal utilities and communal enterprises in areas such as energy, water, and wastewater. The "Bäderatlas" of the German Swimming Pool Association lists more than 6,000 indoor and outdoor pools nationwide.
What about implementing AI for home-and-garden services to address the lifestyle concerns arising from staff shortages, similar to the AI-assisted water supervision in swimming pools? Could AI-powered home maintenance or gardening services potentially solve the issue of labor shortage in the future, much like a lifeguard team determines the opening hours of a swimming pool?
