I only wanted to protect a child - and was reported to the police.
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A veteran lifeguard in Germany says he was left stunned after a routine safety intervention at a swimming pool escalated into a police operation and a criminal complaint against him. The incident began when he noticed a child struggling in a designated swimming area.
Ralf Großmann, a lifeguard and swimming pool manager with nearly 30 years of experience, said he became concerned after observing a child moving uncertainly in the water and repeatedly holding onto the pool edge. Believing there could be a safety risk, he approached the child's father and politely asked him to leave the swimming area with the child.
According to Großmann, the father initially complied but returned to the same area a short time later. When the lifeguard repeated the safety instruction, the situation quickly deteriorated. What started as a routine conversation reportedly turned into a heated argument, with voices raised and insults exchanged.
As tensions continued to rise, Großmann decided to issue a Hausverbot (ban from the premises). However, he said the man refused to leave despite repeated requests. With other visitors watching and the situation becoming increasingly disruptive, pool staff eventually called the police for assistance.
Police officers arrived at the swimming pool and escorted the man from the facility. Großmann believed the matter had been resolved, but weeks later he received a letter from the public prosecutor's office informing him that a criminal complaint had been filed against him in connection with the incident.
The experienced lifeguard said he was shocked to find himself under investigation after taking what he considered a necessary safety measure. He emphasized that his actions were based on enforcing pool regulations and protecting visitors, particularly children, from potential danger.
The investigation was later discontinued, and prosecutors closed the case without charges. However, Großmann said the experience raised concerns about the challenges faced by employees who are expected to enforce safety rules while increasingly encountering resistance from members of the public.
Despite the ordeal, Großmann insists he will continue intervening whenever he believes someone's safety is at risk. He argues that preventing an accident is always preferable to dealing with a tragedy afterward and says protecting swimmers remains his top priority.