AFTER SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Ban on foreigners in Swiss outdoor pool – “Many citizens have expressed their gratitude,” says the city council
By Katja MiticEditorAs of: July 7, 2025 Reading time: 4 minutes
As of Friday, swimming in a Swiss outdoor pool has been permitted almost exclusively for Swiss residents and tourists with special ID. However, anyone not resident in Switzerland will no longer be allowed to use the small outdoor pool until the end of August.
In Switzerland, a city has closed its outdoor swimming pool to foreigners following a series of sexual harassment and rule violations. Citizens welcome the decision, but politicians are outraged.
Last weekend, the weather was perfect for an outdoor pool in Switzerland. This also applied to the town of Porrentruy in the Jura. However, since July 5, foreigners have been banned from the cool waters there during the summer months – unless they have a valid residence or work permit in Switzerland or, as tourists, receive a certificate from their accommodation provider.
Lionel Maître, city councilor and political director for leisure activities in the Porrentruy district, has now given an initial assessment of the project. The atmosphere was "very good," Maître told WELT when asked. "Many residents thanked us. They experienced their swimming pool as it was a few years ago: a peaceful atmosphere, serenity, a true place of relaxation."
Thanks to the media coverage, the message was well received, and there was no need to “play police” at the entrance, as had been feared beforehand.
Another positive effect: Numerous residents who had previously turned their backs on the pool now want to visit more often. Former regulars have returned and bought season tickets again after the new rules were announced. "They stopped coming before because of a sense of uncertainty. The staff is also relieved – it's become easier for everyone," said Maître.
The city council's decision was prompted by more than 20 incidents involving visitors from France since the start of the season . The city is only about ten kilometers from the border. Maître explained in more detail in Swiss media what he meant by "incidents": "We have young girls who were followed and whistled at (...)." Security personnel were disrespected, and an employee was attacked.
There were also numerous disturbances, and some visitors even went into the water in their underwear, even though this was strictly prohibited for hygiene reasons, Maître told the Swiss media outlet "Blick ." Several bans were issued. However, even a dedicated security service, which represented an additional financial burden, was unable to defuse the situation.
While citizens appear to be appreciating the decision, the political debate surrounding it continues. For example, the newspaper "Le Temps" warned in an editorial of a "dangerous precedent" and called for a correction. While action was necessary, it did not involve such a discriminatory measure. Instead, each case must be decided individually.
The Federal Commission was also outraged by the decision in Porrentruy and is now concerned about the region's image: "In the middle of the tourist season, this decision damages Switzerland's image and causes diplomatic unrest."
The new outdoor pool rule primarily affects French residents, especially young people from the troubled neighborhoods near the border. The local council is being accused of racism on social media . France is even said to be considering a diplomatic appeal.
But Maître defends himself against the accusation of racism, emphasizing that these critical voices primarily come from "left-wing political organizations or individual representatives of the political left." "However, these people don't offer any concrete solutions—they sit in an ivory tower and are blinded by their ideological stance," Maître explains.
The measure is not discriminatory, as it is not directed against any particular nationality or religion. "It is pragmatic and proportionate and is intended to ensure safe access for our population, who finance the infrastructure."
Tourists also have nothing to worry about: "Every tourist who visits the Jura and stays overnight here is welcome and can enter the pool upon presentation of their guest card." He attributes the crowds to the swimming pool closures in France. Therefore, the real problem is not the rules in Porrentruy, but rather French politics. In France, municipalities would rather "close their pools completely than solve the problems" – and that's why the young people are moving to Switzerland.
Despite calls to correct the rule, Maître intends to maintain it until the end of August. "Nothing has been decided yet for next season—but if the situation requires it, it's possible we'll apply this measure again," Maître said.
