
Germany is desperately seeking labor in certain sectors, otherwise many businesses risk closing. Restaurants can't find cooks, hospitals are short of doctors and nurses, builders are delayed in their work because they don't have craftsmen - and swimming pools won't be able to work without their lifeguards.
The lack of skilled labor in Germany can be seen in many areas. Restaurants can't find cooks, hospitals are short of doctors and nurses, builders are running late without a handyman – and swimming pools won't be able to function without lifeguards.
The outdoor pool season starts in a few weeks and administrations are desperately looking for lifeguards and swimming instructors. That is, without them, the pools cannot receive people and will remain closed until they solve the problem.
The city's pool operators have opened a standing contest with minimal requirements: Candidates don't need to set a schedule, can show up at any time and only need to wear a swimsuit.
In the coming weeks, most local communities will close the competition for lifeguards and instructors. Then it will become clear what the exact deficit is for the opening of the summer season. In addition to them, Germany is short of between 2,000 and 3,500 other pool workers, including technical staff who look after water quality, for example.
There are about 6,500 indoor and outdoor pools in the country. In the previous three years, many opened late and shortened their hours, and some closed their doors to the public entirely.