A lake-side swimming pool in Saxony-Anhalt has introduced a controversial rule that states people who cannot speak German may be refused entry.
The rule was recently introduced at the Heidebad swimming pool in Halle, in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, with bosses arguing that it's a safety measure.
Managing director Mathias Nobel said guests must be able to understand safety instructions, bathing rules and directions from lifeguards before they are admitted.
"We need to be sure that visitors understand our bathing rules, and we must take a consistent approach to ensure the safety of bathers," Nobel said.
However, on Wednesday it emerged that the city of Halle has called on the operators to remove the ban, saying that such an action could be perceived as "xenophobic". The city council said this could damage the city’s reputation and violate the contractual duty of good conduct.
