In Germany, amputees who get groped in swimming pools can call creepy turtles with floaties for help

If you're confused, you're not the only one.

This was a poster displayed at the outdoor swimming pool in the city of Büren, Westphalia that made the news because of its totally unrealistic depiction and trivialisation of sexual assault, and overuse of stereotypes.

See article here:

https://www.nau.ch/news/europa/buren-d-freibad-plakat-gegen-ubergriffe-sorgt-fur-aufruhr-67014146

English translation of the article:

Büren: Outdoor pool poster against attacks causes uproar

Sandra Morgenroth
Germany, 04.07.2025 - 04:39

A poster from the city of Büren (D) showing a woman groping a boy with a prosthetic leg sparked a heated debate about prevention and the portrayal of perpetrators.

The town of Büren in the Paderborn district (Germany) launched a campaign to protect children and young people from sexual assault at outdoor swimming pools. The poster for the youth protection project "Summer – Sun – Safety" is now being discussed nationwide.

One poster shows a white woman grabbing the buttocks of a dark-skinned boy with a prosthetic leg in a swimming pool. Above it, the caption reads: "Stop! No groping!"

As "WELT" reports, the campaign's mascot is a turtle named "Tiki." The code word "Tiki" is intended to help children alert staff in an emergency.

Criticism of the poster design

The motive sparked a heated debate. Critics accused the city of Büren of portraying an unrealistic profile of the perpetrator and trivializing reality.

According to police, sexual assaults at outdoor pools are committed by men in the vast majority of cases. Critics say the posters reframe blame and obscure stereotypes, according to "Radio Hochstift."

The city of Büren defends the campaign. Mayor Burkhard Schwuchow emphasizes that the protection of children and young people is a top priority.

Campaign and prevention concept

Every form of sexual violence must be consistently combated – regardless of who the perpetrators are. Public criticism is taken very seriously.

The city intends to communicate more sensitively and differentiatedly in the future, as Schwuchow explains to "Focus." The poster campaign is part of a comprehensive prevention concept launched in February 2025 with local partners.

In addition to the posters, the project includes training for pool staff and educational professionals. The goal is to sensitize children to boundary violations and encourage them to seek help.

City of Büren reacts to criticism

Following massive criticism, the city of Büren removed the posters from its outdoor pool. Officials emphasize that it was never their intention to discriminate against anyone or to reframe blame.

The campaign is intended to set a proactive example for child protection and highlight diversity, as Apollo News reports. The debate surrounding the poster motif has now also attracted international attention.

The depiction is being controversially discussed on social media. The city announced that it will evaluate its communication formats and be even more sensitive in future campaigns.