A day at the swimming pool, lake, or beach is supposed to be relaxing. You lay out your towel, take a quick dip, swim a few laps, or get something to drink. But precisely in these moments, cell phones, keys, wallets, or cash are often left unattended.
Especially small valuables are particularly susceptible to theft near water. They are easy to take, often lie openly in bags or under towels, and are frequently left behind exactly when you are in the water yourself.
Theft at public pools is not an uncommon problem
That valuables can quickly become a target at public pools is also shown by a recent report in the Süddeutsche Zeitung about thefts in Munich's public pools. The Westbad and Michaelibad, among others, were particularly affected. Mostly small items such as wallets, cell phones, and cash were stolen.
The problem is not just the material value. If a cell phone, a key, or a wallet disappears, the trip to the public pool is immediately over. In addition, there are blocked cards, lost documents, new keys, or the hassle with the police and insurance.
Why valuables at the water are so tricky
At the beach, lake, or public pool, there are usually only a few really good options. Many people put their belongings under their towel, hide them in a bag, or ask friends to watch them for a moment. This sometimes works, but it is not always reliable.
Especially when you are alone, it gets complicated. You want to go into the water, but at the same time, you don't want to constantly have to think about whether your cell phone, keys, or money are still in place. This exact moment makes valuables at the water a real everyday problem.
What helps against theft at public pools?
Of course, there is no 100% protection. Nevertheless, you can significantly reduce the risk if you handle your valuables more consciously.
For example, it makes sense to only take what is necessary. If you don't carry a lot of cash, no unnecessary cards, and no expensive items, you directly reduce the risk. If lockers are available, they can also be a good solution. However, they are not available everywhere, sometimes occupied, or not directly near your spot.
Hiding places like bags, shoes, or towels are also only of limited help. They ensure that items are not openly visible but still remain unattended.
The simplest solution: Don't leave valuables behind in the first place
It's most relaxing if the most important things are not left unattended at all. That's why many people are looking for solutions where their cell phone, keys, or cash can stay directly with them.
For some, this is a waterproof phone case, for others a small dry bag. If you want to carry as little as possible, you can also opt for clothing with integrated storage.
The BEVA swimwear pursues exactly this idea: The most important valuables stay directly with you instead of being left behind on a towel or in a bag. Thanks to the integrated waterproof pocket, cell phones, keys, and cash can be carried more securely while swimming or near the water, without constantly having to look back at your spot.
Of course, this does not replace general caution. But it solves a problem that many people know at the public pool, lake, or beach: Where to put your valuables when you actually just want to go into the water?
Source and further article: Süddeutsche Zeitung – Thefts in Munich's public pools
