Frankfurt is a pioneer throughout Germany in a really great action: from now on, children in Frankfurt can go to the swimming pool for free. The offer is valid for all boys and girls up to 14 years. Shortly before Christmas this was already decided by the magistrate of the city of Frankfurt. After the city council approved the resolution on 31 January, implementation could begin immediately. The concept of family-friendly swimming pools was presented by Mayor Peter Feldmann and Sports Director Frank at the Rebstockbad.
The Lord Mayor was pleased that, following the free admission for children to the city's museums, social participation has now also been created for the swimming pools, from which families in particular will benefit: "Many people cannot easily afford to visit a swimming pool - this is now changing. For example, a visit to the Textorbad will no longer cost 13 euros for a father and his two children up to the age of 14, but only 5 euros," said Feldmann. This will certainly help some children to improve their swimming skills and at the same time relieve the burden on their parents' wallets.
"Whether it's the Seahorse or the German Youth Swimming Badge in Gold, children up to the age of 14 can now easily learn to swim and improve their swimming skills. With free entry for children up to the age of 14, our Frankfurt pools are becoming more attractive and family-friendly, providing our youngsters with a good foundation on which to achieve sporting success. Perhaps there will soon be a new Franziska van Almsick or a new Michael Groß from Frankfurt," hopes Sports Director Frank. "When I think of the growing numbers of children with medically diagnosed lack of exercise at school entry examinations, but also in view of the increase in mobile phone, PC and games console use, I see an absolute necessity to facilitate children's access to sports facilities," emphasises the Head of Sports.
"With this decision, we are pioneers throughout Germany. There is no other offer like this anywhere else. Some may say: What is this free admission to swimming pools for children? This ignores the fact that there are many parents in this city who have a lot of money to spend, who have to turn over every euro! It fails to recognise that this move should not be seen in isolation. The free admission joins the offer of free daycare centers, free cultural institutions and the zoo," explained the Lord Mayor.
It was good and important that the offer of school swimming existed and was offered in Frankfurt mandatory in the third grade. "Today, with this decision, we are flanking sport in school and ensuring that children do not have to count their pocket money in addition to school in order to continue after a swimming course," Feldmann emphasized.
"I am pleased that we were able to implement the offer of free entry for children up to the age of 14 so quickly. Because only a few weeks after the coalition's decision, our pools have already been adjusted to the new situation since February 1," Frank thanked the stakeholders involved in the implementation and the employees of the Bäder-Betriebe Frankfurt (BBF). It will be interesting to see how this great offer is received by families. Based on the good reception at the museums, however, the concept should also quickly prove to be a great success at the swimming pools.
By the way, free admission applies to all children - including those who do not live in Frankfurt.
The offer applies to all municipal indoor and outdoor pools; in the adventure pools Rebstockbad, Titus Thermen and Panoramabad Bornheim even without time limit.
Up to the 15th birthday children can take advantage of the offer. From the 5th grade, they must prove their age with their student ID.
Family passes will continue to be available for families with at least one child age 15 or older.
