"But where there is danger, the saving power also grows." Hölderlin's word is always a glimmer of hope in times of need and crisis.
Who knows what positive effects all the crises that are currently shaking the world will have in the near or distant future.
In the case of swimming pools, the energy crisis could boost the spirit of innovation.
This hope can at least be clearly read from the urgent appeal of the German Society for Bathing.
This relies on the energy saving will of the members.
Exact numbers of degrees by which the water temperature could be lowered are more likely to be due to an attempt to attract attention.
Of course, no one is directly helped if the baths are so cold that after the deterrent nobody goes swimming anymore.
Swimming is vital for many people
Instead, a discourse on the meaning of swimming is called for: It is probably not "systemically relevant" in the generally understood sense of the word.
So the view is very narrow, primarily to how our society functions economically.
But for many people who associate their physical well-being very closely with swimming, it is relevant to their livelihood.
For many older people, movement in the water that is gentle on the joints is the only option for physical activity.
Therapeutic bathing is therefore rightly at the top of the list of priorities in the industry association's appeal.
Bathing facilities are essential for children in order to learn to swim at all, which in case of doubt can also be a skill that is essential for survival.
These arguments must be taken as value.
And this must be taken into account when there is any doubt about an energy shortage.
This is the only way to ensure that cash-strapped municipalities do not, as was already the case during the pandemic when the swimming pools were all too willingly closed, dive prematurely and stop the already expensive bathing pleasure under the pretext of saving energy.
The energy crisis must not be used as an alibi.