The swimming pool scenes on this sunny day seem idyllic: bathers enjoy the first warm day in the outdoor pools of Cologne’s Agrippabad, letting the sun shine on their faces as they swim their lengths. Next to it, children splash around in the sparkling water.
A few meters further on, a campaign is presented that is intended to guarantee that bathers, especially younger ones, can be carefree: it is about protecting children and young people who have been sexually harassed or who have observed cross-border behavior.
Encourage children and young people
The campaign called “I’ll say it” is intended to encourage children and young people to get help and support from the bathing staff whenever they find themselves in an unpleasant situation, for example if they have been harassed. This encouragement is needed, reports Claudia Heckmann, managing director of KölnBäder GmbH: “Because the children don’t necessarily do that by nature, they often withdraw and say, I’d rather go away, keep it to myself.”
When children are molested, they often think they have done something wrong, she explains. But that is not the case, rather they are put in an unpleasant situation. “And that’s why it’s important that they have the courage to say something.”
Staff training
Not only KölnBäder, but also other organizations such as the Zartbitter association, the Cologne Child Protection Association, the Lobby for Girls, the Cologne City Sports Association and the Cologne Police are taking part in the campaign.
In addition to special training for bathroom staff, posters were created that show situations in which children are (sexually) molested in the form of a colorful comic. These should be hung in all Cologne swimming pools.
Campaign aims to deter perpetrators
The illustration was designed to be child-friendly. In each illustration, a life preserver appears who sees the transgressive behavior and takes action against it. This ring represents the bathroom staff and is not only intended to encourage affected children and young people to report misconduct. It should also show the perpetrators: We are keeping an eye on you.
Case from the past shows explosiveness
Last year, a 13-year-old girl in Agrippabad was allegedly molested by a group consisting of young men and teenagers: According to previous findings, the suspects surrounded the girl, harassed her and threw her up in September 2023.
According to police, a 16-year-old allegedly grabbed her bikini bottoms. The girl managed to free herself and inform the lifeguard. The case attracted particular attention at the time.