Berlin's yuppies and their love of swimming has been documented on this page before - but now it seems that frustrated workers want a chance to enjoy a cool off at the end of their day too.With warm, humid weather being the daily norm in Berlin for almost a month now, last Thursday saw over 70 000 locals throw in the towel and go swimming in Berlin's lakes, pools and rivers (eight times more than this time last year). Many of those who can take days off work are doing so, whilst those stuck at work often miss out - old-fashioned laws regulating opening hours mean that most of Berlin's public swimming facilities have to close at 7pm.
Whilst many local council members agree that a change to the law should be relatively simple, spokespeople for lifesaver and security staff unions complain that if opening hours are extended they won't be allowed their (statutorily-regulated ofcourse) eleven-hour rest period between shifts. Meanwhile, the city sweats on the outcome - literally. al
Photo: "Bötzowsee", author's own collection.
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