Heatwave: Should municipal swimming pools be made free during periods of extreme heat?

Municipalities must adapt quickly; summer is well and truly here. For nearly three days, the whole of France has been experiencing a significant heatwave , with temperatures approaching 40°C in some regions.

So naturally, the cool spots in the city are being taken by storm, starting with municipal swimming pools, which have become almost indispensable for cooling off. Some cities, like Rennes, have already decided to extend their opening hours to allow better access and avoid traffic jams in the pools.

In Lyon, another question arises: that of the entrance fee. The city hall has indeed chosen to increase the price of tickets. "Ten-entry passes go from 25 to 32 euros, an increase of 28%, explains Thomas Rudigoz, Renaissance councilor of the Lyon metropolitan area, guest of Anaïs Matin . This is incomprehensible during this heatwave. The same week, the mayor of Lyon (Gregory Doucet) announced this price change but also the extension of the opening hours. He is therefore aware of the problem (the heat) and yet he increases the price. Socially, this is not acceptable."

This price increase is intended to cover maintenance costs. But in such a context, the idea of ​​drastically lowering rates—or even making them free—during periods of extreme heat could emerge, in order to provide free access to all. "We must take into account all those who don't have access to private pools," the leader of Renaissance continued on RMC for the upcoming municipal elections in Lyon. "I'm against free access in general; then we're entering a society that no longer understands the cost of public services. On the other hand, we can set a very low price, perhaps one euro."

Pending this hypothetical change, Lyon residents will have to pay €4 instead of €3.40 to use municipal swimming pools during this period of intense heat. This weekend, 16 departments remain on orange heatwave alert.