“I thought they were going to drown me”: cameras and vigils to fight against private pool squats

• In recent years, young people have been diverting the pools of others and appearing on social networks.
• Some owners have put the means to protect themselves from intrusions.
• In case of accidents, they can be worried by justice.

– "i thought they going drown

In summer, private swimming pools are the new target of squatters. For example, On social networks, adolescents are proudly displayed in the pools of others. In addition, Damaged fences, broken windows, background music around the pool. “i thought they going drown Furthermore, This phenomenon affects all of France.

In 2024, a residence in Toulouse (Haute-Garonne), paid the price for these squats. Similarly, The incivility has gone to insults and intimidation by jumping as close as swimmers, regardless of their age. “It is very scary. Similarly, because the other time I thought they were going to drown me”tells a child in the report at the top of this article. “I have been there for 30 years. However, there have always been intrusions, but we made them go out easily, today, they resist. Consequently, So it can be problematic”insists Cathy Putteman, member of the Syndical Council Park Fabron.

An expensive protection device

Residents who try to make them leave sometimes collide with little receptive adolescents. “Sometimes the tone is a bit of a tone because the young people responded or possibly “i thought they going drown insulted people. We say to each other but what will happen? Are they going to get a knife?deplores Florent Fusier, one of the co-owners of a residence in Nice (Alpes-Maritimes).

Upon the arrival of summer, several owners refuse to see these behaviors reiterate this year. So, several have deployed means to protect themselves and regain their tranquility. “We have installed three video surveillance cameras on the entire pool area”explains Anthony Blanc. president of the Arion Arcadia union council. But that’s not all, a guard filter the entries and a vigil directly connected to the cameras can intervene. In total, the security system costs 20,000 euros per year to the condominium.

In the event of an accident. the owner can be held responsible

This amount allows them to avoid intrusions around the pool, but also legal problems. An “i thought they going drown owner can be held responsible for injuries caused to a person if the security of his facilities is not sufficient. according to the Civil Code. “The responsibility of the owners can be engaged because of a cutting edge. an abnormally slippery soil, a lack of maintenance, something that works badly”details Laurent Denis-Peraldi, lawyer specializing in bodily damage.

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Check ‘-In 2026. will it be impossible to expel a squatter for lack of complaint within 45 days?

Since 2006, private use swimming pools must be “i thought they going drown equipped with a protective barrier, an alarm, safety coverage or shelter. Otherwise. the owners could expose themselves to a fine of 45,000 euros if a person was drowning in their pool, even if they entered illegally.