Lifeguards will be canceled at Lake Miersdorf in the future – danger for bathers!

Lifeguards will be canceled at Lake Miersdorf in the future – danger for bathers!

Changes are imminent at the Miersdorf bathing lake in Zeuthen that will herald a new era for bathers under the motto “personal responsibility”. From 2026 there will no longer be any lifeguards on site, which according to Mayor Philipp Martens is a necessary measure. High costs and increasing disregard for bathers' rules are the driving forces behind this decision, as [maz-online.de].

What happens when rules are ignored? Last Monday there was an incident that highlighted the dangers of swimming in Lake Miersdorf. Despite the new signs and barriers - with clear warnings: "Jumping into the water is prohibited - danger to life!" – a group of young people jumped from the concrete edge into the lake and injured themselves. One teenager even had to be taken to the hospital because the water wasn't deep enough at that point. The lifeguard, who is available four days a week from 9 a.m. to 7:15 p.m., was not on site at that time.

The gray area between fun and danger

The negligence of many bathers is a big issue. Mayor Martens emphasizes that even with a lifeguard the accident would not necessarily have been prevented, as many visitors ignore the rules. “It is the responsibility of each individual,” explains Martens, pointing out that the future of the pool requires less supervision and more personal responsibility.

But concerns about the safety of bathers are not limited to vandalism and noise pollution. Residents have already taken the initiative into their own hands and started a petition to counteract the undesirable consequences of 24-hour operation of Lake Miersdorf. Heiko Fuchs, chairman of the local fishing club, expresses concern about possible impacts on wildlife and general safety in the lake. “A lake of chaos could arise here!” he fears.

• Ab 27. Mai 2026: Freibad nachts nicht mehr geschlossen.
• Regeln: Kein Angeln, Camping, Glasflaschen, Alkohol & Musik nachts.

Risks of accidents when swimming

Checking your own swimming skills is essential for every bather. Dr. Mörsdorf-Kroll from the Freiburg University Hospital warns of the risks of swimming, especially in the event of sudden cold shock or hypothermia, which can lead to serious health problems. “If cramps suddenly occur, even the most experienced swimmer can be in danger,” says the expert. She therefore recommends always adhering to certain bathing rules:

1. Vor dem Schwimmen abkühlen, um Kälteschock zu vermeiden.
2. Niemals allein ins Wasser gehen, immer in Begleitung schwimmen.
3. Die eigenen Fähigkeiten realistisch einschätzen.

In order to ensure safety at Lake Miersdorf, the police will monitor compliance with the rules in the future. The effort to achieve peaceful coexistence is also important to Sven Genschow, youth club leader, because the young people should not be prejudged, but should enjoy trust. “We need clear opening times so that everyone knows where they are,” says Genschow.
The upcoming changes to the Miersdorf bathing lake could be a big challenge, but also an opportunity to strengthen the community.