Sexual offences rise in Hesse's swimming pools as heatwaves drive visitor numbers, police report

The numbers behind the headlines

Police statistics for Hesse show 895 crimes in swimming pools (indoor and outdoor) in 2025, a slight drop from 968 the year before. The vast majority were thefts. But two categories bucked the trend: sexual offences rose from 74 to 87, and violent crimes (Rohheitsdelikte, covering assault and offences against personal freedom) climbed from 106 to 115. Of the 87 sexual offences, 78 were solved.

In the North Hesse police district, the figures are smaller but the pattern similar. One sexual offence (solved) and six violent crimes (five solved) were recorded in 2024. In 2025, five sexual offences (four solved) and five violent crimes (four solved) were registered.

This summer's incidents

No official 2026 data is available yet, but West Hesse police say case numbers so far are at a similar level to last year. Several incidents have already made headlines. At the end of June, a 31-year-old man was arrested after allegedly touching three teenagers inappropriately underwater at a Frankfurt pool. The weekend before, a 25-year-old is suspected of sexually harassing two girls at another Frankfurt outdoor pool, and a 50-year-old man allegedly harassed children at the end of a water slide, where witnesses said he "caught" them as they came down.

In Griesheim, there was a recent physical attack on staff. Frankfurt police linked the temporary spike in complaints to the recent heatwave and high visitor numbers.

The past heatwave and the high visitor numbers in the pools are significant factors for the temporarily increased number of criminal complaints.

How pools are responding

Pools in Giessen have not recorded any sexual assaults this season, according to the municipal utility, though disputes between bathers do occur. Staff enforce house rules, can issue bans, and call police when needed. Rosters are adjusted to demand, and sufficient trained personnel plus security measures are in place.

We can already tell you that case numbers so far are at a consistent level compared to the previous year.

A regional snapshot

While the overall crime trend in Hessian pools is downward, the shift in the composition of offences is drawing attention from authorities and pool operators alike. The combination of crowded facilities during hot spells and the nature of the incidents is prompting renewed discussion about safety measures.