Renovation of the forest pool in Cunnersdorf: Big challenges await!

Renovation of the forest pool in Cunnersdorf: Big challenges await!

The forest pool in Cunnersdorf near Gohrisch will remain closed this season. The history of the closure is a long and sad one, as the last comprehensive renovation was 32 years ago. In the meantime, the facility's problems have increased: dilapidated floor panels, a leaky roof and outdated technology make the forest pool a safety risk. Local councilor Tilo Hänsel is aware of the dimensions and emphasizes that restoring the pool is a full-time job.

The forest pool is known for its quiet location, the large lawn, a slide and the kiosk offering. But the condition of the facility depresses many. In particular, displaced stone slabs around the pool pose a safety problem. Attempts have already been made to maintain the facility with the help of voluntary work, but there is a lack of skilled personnel. The municipality of Gohrisch could use a specialist employee for swimming pool operations.

The specialist for swimming pool companies – a sought-after profession

But what does a swimming pool specialist actually do? They monitor safety in swimming pools, are contact persons for bathers and take care of the maintenance of technical systems. The training includes theoretical and practical parts and is recognized in Germany. However, in order to train successful skilled workers, the requirements are high: a secondary school diploma, physical fitness, communication skills and a sense of responsibility are essential.

• Erstes Jahr: Sicherheit und Betrieb von Schwimmanlagen, Besucherbetreuung.
• Zweites Jahr: Wasseraufsicht, Schwimmunterricht für Anfänger.
• Drittes Jahr: Fortgeschrittenenkurse, Technikwartung.

In Germany there are only around 500 new trainees for this profession every year, although around 2,500 are needed. This shows how valuable skilled workers are in the pool industry. Mayor Kay Eisert is therefore calling for financial support from politicians in order to push ahead with the necessary renovations. The estimated costs for the general renovation of the forest pool are around 880,000 euros, while this year only 60,000 euros are available for smaller measures.

The challenges of the community

The municipal administration is thinking about intermunicipal cooperation with the city of Wehlen and Bad Gottleuba-Berggiesshübel in order to establish a jumper system. The plan is to have trained staff rotate between the bathrooms. There is also support from former retired swimming champions who contribute their experiences. Everyone hopes that a new applicant can be found for the position of lifeguard next year in order to revitalize the forest pool.

The future of the forest pool in Cunnersdorf therefore remains uncertain, and the connection between the creation of training places and the restoration of this urgently needed facility could not be clearer. The pool industry needs skilled workers to find sustainable solutions - perhaps the forest pool will soon become a popular destination for swimming lovers again.

Further information on training and the required qualifications can be found at My educational path. Current reports on the location of the forest pool are provided by Saxon.