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Swimming pools in Wangerland remain open despite bankruptcy!
In Oldenburg, the swimming pools in Wangerland remain open despite bankruptcy. Wangerland Touristik is starting a restructuring process.
Swimming pools in Wangerland remain open despite bankruptcy!
The swimming pools in Wangerland will remain open for the time being despite the current insolvency situation. Wangerland Touristik GmbH, a subsidiary of the municipality of Wangerland, has informed the public with this good news. The indoor seawater swimming pool in Hooksiel, the Friesland Therme in Horumersiel and the Thalasso Sea Spa are affected by the insolvency, which was triggered by the high costs of building the Thalasso Sea Spa, which rose to 23 million euros. Originally only 8 million euros were budgeted, which is why the operation of the swimming pools is considered economically necessary in order to secure existing jobs. The DLRG training and school swimming can also continue to take place, which is of great importance for many young swimmers in the region, especially in times when the number of safe swimmers is decreasing and dramatic accidents must be avoided, as reported NDR.
On June 26, 2025, the Wilhelmshaven district court ordered Wangerland Touristik GmbH to take temporary self-administration. This means that the company is now going through a structured restructuring process, with the management remaining responsible despite filing for insolvency. Attorney Michael Waculik is supporting the process as interim administrator. “A clear plan with several alternative scenarios is being pursued,” says managing director Torsten Riedel. WTG has already worked on a comprehensive restructuring concept, which is to be implemented under the protection of the insolvency regulations. The first discussions to stabilize the company are already underway, with the community being actively involved and supporting and informing the steps Wangerland Tourism.
An urgent problem
The challenge facing the pools in Wangerland is not an isolated case. In Germany, the backlog of renovations in swimming pools remains an urgent issue - around 50% of swimming pools are in need of renovation. Many of them have to close permanently due to financial constraints. The Bäderallianz Deutschland is also calling for nationwide support here. Because the numbers are alarming: According to a Forsa survey, 20% of children cannot swim, while 58% of primary school children cannot swim safely when they transition to secondary school. An urgent need for action, which is also important in Wangerland, as the safe swimming training of young people must be ensured here, explains ZDF.
In order to meet these challenges, the pool alliance is calling for a comprehensive investment program. One proposal calls for one billion euros to be made available annually over twelve years for the construction and renovation of swimming pools. In addition, subsidies are necessary for new buildings, energy-efficient renovations and digitalization in order to improve the dilapidated condition of many swimming pools.
The way forward
Wangerland Touristik GmbH therefore not only faces critical financial challenges, but also the opportunity to create a sustainable future through smart decisions and support. The community is optimistic and is ready to actively support the renovation initiatives in order to both secure the location and ensure the training of future swimmers in Wangerland. A goal that is close to the hearts of both the DLRG and the Bäderallianz and that must absolutely be achieved.