Badi etiquette: how summer works at Swiss outdoor pools

The Badi: a slice of Swiss summer

Few places sum up the Swiss summer like the Badi. Whether it is the neighbourhood outdoor pool, a lido on the lake or a river bath in the middle of the city: from May to September, families, lap swimmers, sun worshippers and after-work swimmers meet here. So that everyone finds their place, there are a few rules — some are on the board at the entrance, others are unwritten.

The season

Most outdoor pools and lake lidos open in May and close in September. The exact dates vary from bath to bath and can change in bad weather. On our detail pages under Badi, the season is listed for each bath where known. For the colder months, you will find the right places in the subcategory Indoor pools.

In the pool

Swimming lengths

Many outdoor pools have separate lanes for swimmers. The usual rules:

• Keep to the right, as on the road
• Only overtake when there is enough space
• Don’t stop in the middle at the end of the lane — move to the side
• Respect slow and fast lanes if they are signposted

Jumping and the diving board

Only jump where it is allowed, and only when the area below is clear. On the diving board: one at a time, and only jump once the person before you has swum away. Headers into shallow water are a no-go.

Shower before swimming

A quick shower before you get into the pool is a must — for hygiene and out of consideration. It also keeps sunscreen out of the water.

On the lawn

• Room for everyone. One towel per person, not three loungers for two.
• Speakers stay off or so quiet that only you can hear them.
• Rubbish goes in the bin. Many baths separate PET, aluminium and general waste.
• Barbecues only where explicitly allowed.
• Photographing strangers is a no-go; in some baths photos are banned altogether.

What to wear

In most baths you swim in normal swimwear. Street clothes and underwear don’t belong in the water. Some baths have areas just for women, such as the Frauenbad Stadthausquai in Zurich or the “Paradiesli” at Marzili in Bern. Follow the house rules on site.

With children

Children should always be in sight, small children within arm’s reach — even when there is a lifeguard. Armbands help with practising but never replace supervision. Many baths have paddling pools and shallow areas for the little ones.

Safety: the bathing rules

The Swiss Lifesaving Society SLRG has drawn up six bathing rules that hang in almost every Badi. In essence:

1. Only let small children near the water when accompanied and supervise them within arm’s reach.
2. Never go into the water under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and don’t swim on a full or completely empty stomach.
3. Never jump into the water when overheated — the body needs time to adjust.
4. Don’t jump into murky or unfamiliar water.
5. Air mattresses and swimming aids don’t belong in deep water.
6. Never swim long distances alone.

Rivers and lakes have additional rules. Read more in the article on swimming in the Aare.

Lake lido and river bath: what is different

At a lake lido you swim in the lake. The water is often cooler than in a pool, the bottom can be stony, and beyond the boundary line the open water with boats begins. At a river bath, the current comes into play: only drift if you are a safe swimmer and know the exit. You will find an overview under Lake lidos and River baths. Free bathing spots with no admission charge and mostly no lifeguard are listed under Free bathing spots.

Frequently asked questions

Is a season pass worth it?

If you go more than a few times a summer, often yes. Many municipalities offer season passes for adults, children and families. Prices are on the baths’ websites.

Can I bring my own food?

In most outdoor pools and lake lidos, yes, but glass bottles are often banned. In the bath restaurant, the restaurant’s rules apply.

What do I do in a thunderstorm?

Get out of the water immediately. In a thunderstorm, many baths close the pools. Follow the staff’s instructions.

Conclusion

The Badi works because everyone shows a little consideration: keep right, share the space, take your rubbish with you and keep an eye on the children. Then an ordinary summer’s day becomes a real Badi day.