Swimming Pool Research Articles

Характеристика проблемного поля ресурсного обеспечения государственного и муниципального управления развитием сферы физической культуры и спорта

The article discusses the types of resource provision in the field of physical culture and sports. The analysis of the formation of types of management activities aimed at the development of physical culture and sports in various subordinate organizations is carried out. A comparison is made of various statistical indicators that characterize both financial injections into the field of physical culture and sports, as well as existing achievements in the field of sports infrastructure formation on the example of such sports facilities as swimming pools, stadiums, planar sports facilities, gyms. Considering various types of resource provision, there is a shortage of them. In particular, according to the results of the study, a problem field has been formed, consisting of individual factors, working with which will allow a balanced approach to the formation of a resource base in the field of physical culture and sports.

Children’s Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds: A Comparative Analysis of Assessments in Households, Schools, and Indoor Swimming Pools

Chemical pollution is an increasing worldwide concern, with children being especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution. This study aimed to characterize the mixture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in indoor air across residential, educational, and recreational settings. It analyzed data on VOC concentrations from previous sampling campaigns conducted in households with children, primary schools, and indoor swimming pools (70 buildings, 151 indoor spaces) in northern Portugal. The findings reveal the co-occurrence of 16 VOCs (1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, benzene, ethylbenzene, m/o/p-xylenes, styrene, toluene, tetrachloroethylene, 2-ethylhexanol, butanol, acetophenone, ethyl acetate, benzaldehyde, decanal, nonanal, 1-methoxy-2-propanol and limonene) across all three settings, primarily associated to emissions from building materials and detergents. However, distinct patterns were also observed in the VOCs detected across the three indoor environments: in homes, the predominant VOCs were primarily released from cleaning and fragranced products; in schools, from ammonia-based cleaners and occupant activities; and in swimming pools, the predominant airborne chemicals were disinfection by-products resulting from the chemical dynamics associated with water disinfection. Overall, the findings highlight the need for additional research to deepen our understanding of the risks posed by combined exposure to multiple indoor air chemicals for children. These results also underscore the importance of developing and enforcing regulations to monitor VOC levels in environments frequented by children and implementing preventive measures to minimize their exposure to harmful chemicals.

Influence of Mass Irregularities on the Seismic Behavior of Multi-Storied Using STAAD.Pro Connect Edition

The seismic behavior of multi-story buildings is greatly influenced by their structural configuration. Irregularities in plan or elevation, particularly mass irregularities, are critical factors contributing to structural failure during earthquakes. Proper identification and management of such irregularities are essential to optimize a building's functionality and aesthetics. This study examines the seismic response of a G+14 reinforced concrete (RC) frame structure with and without mass irregularity. The analysis focuses on storey drift, storey displacement, lateral loads, maximum bending moments, and shear forces. A swimming pool placed on the 7th floor introduces a heavy mass, creating mass irregularity as per IS 1893 (Part 1):2016, where a floor’s seismic weight exceeds 150% of the floors above and below. Using STAAD.Pro Connect Edition software, the structures are analysed through dynamic response spectrum analysis. The residential building, with dimensions of 35.45 m × 30.56 m, is subjected to seismic loads according to IS code standards. Results indicate that the inclusion of mass irregularity significantly impacts the seismic response, leading to notable variations in drift, displacement, and internal force distribution. This study highlights the importance of addressing mass irregularities in seismic design to ensure structural safety and performance in earthquake-prone areas. Keywords: Mass irregularity, seismic response, RC frame, STAAD.Pro, storey drift, response spectrum, IS 1893:2016, dynamic analysis.

Sustainable Management of Green Waste in Urban Settings: A Case Study on Energy Recovery and Heating Solutions in the Municipality of Athens (Greece)

The increasing volume of municipal solid waste (MSW), including biodegradable plant residues such as pruning, leaf, and kitchen wastes, presents a substantial environmental challenge due to the limited availability of landfill space and the resulting environmental contamination. Sustainable waste management practices, encompassing recycling and waste-to-energy conversion through biological or thermochemical processes, are imperative. In the Municipality of Athens, Greece, significant quantities of green waste generated from public and private gardening activities provide a valuable opportunity for energy recovery and landfill waste reduction. In accordance with Directive 2008/98/EC, Athens emphasizes waste prevention, reuse, recycling, and recovery. This study examined alternative bio-waste and green waste management systems, using examples from Europe, focusing on the Athens Directorate of Urban Green Spaces and Urban Wildlife. This paper discusses methods for assessing the energy value of pruning residues, providing a definitive disposal framework. Additionally, it presents a technoeconomic study of one of the municipal swimming pools in the Municipality of Athens, investigating the production and distribution of thermal energy to meet the heating needs of the pool facilities. This research identified key constraints and their impact on decision-making, highlighting the potential for alternative green waste management strategies. It advocates modern recycling techniques in line with national and community legislation, which have significant environmental and economic benefits.

Below the Surface: Swimming Pools as Sites of Memory in Post-Apartheid South African Art

The private swimming pool is an iconic part of the South African suburban landscape, sustained by dark legacies of migrant and domestic labour and ecologically unsustainable practices as much as by climate and lifestyle. It is also a powerful signifier of the shifting neuroses of its privileged, predominantly white, middle-class resident bathers. This article argues that, in representing the private swimming pool, contemporary South African artists interrogate issues “below the surface” of unresolved historical trauma and create a space for often reparative memory work. Works by Kirsten Beets, Lungiswa Gqunta, and Berni Searle are examined in painting, video, and installation; works examined have all been produced against the backdrop of Cape Town’s severe drought of 2015– 2018. Avoiding a habitualised instrumentalisation of water, the article thinks with water firstly as memory and secondly as a container for a traumatised South African consciousness, grappling critically with issues of acculturated whiteness and notions of privilege, leisure, and recreation in the time of climate crisis. This is done by interpreting works by the selected artists, bringing into focus how water itself, while “captured” in the swimming pool, is nonetheless acting through the works and this article to shape an imaginary of watery spaces alongside and through the sociopolitical. Watery spaces are also argued as existing even in the absence of water.

Formation of Aromatic Halogenated Disinfection Byproducts in Swimming Pool Water during Chlorination: Organic Precursors and Mechanisms.

Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in swimming pool water are a significant public health concern. The formation of aromatic halogenated DBPs in swimming pool water has not been clarified previously. In this study, the occurrence of aromatic halogenated DBPs in swimming pool water was examined, and it was found that halohydroxybenzoic acids (HBAs) and halobenzoquinones (HBQs) were the most dominant aromatic halogenated DBPs in swimming pool water that were continuously formed. Thus, the formation of HBAs and HBQs in swimming pool water from different organic precursors, including natural organic matter (NOM), pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), during chlorination was examined. The results demonstrate that the formation of HBAs and HBQs from the PPCPs was relatively high compared with that from NOM, suggesting that the PPCPs from human inputs might be important organic precursors of aromatic halogenated DBPs in swimming pool water. The formation mechanisms of HBAs and HBQs from three typical PPCPs (benzophenone-3 (BP-3), methyl p-hydroxybenzoate (MeP) and carbamazepine) were further explored. The results show that the PPCPs containing phenolic groups with higher degradation rates (BP-3 and MeP) possessed higher formation of HBAs and HBQs. The three organic precursors underwent a series of substitution, hydrolysis, oxidation, rearrangement, and intramolecular cyclization reactions to form HBAs and HBQs, while the phenolic groups and ring structures may significantly affect the reactions. The chlorine dose, bromide/iodide concentration, and temperature significantly affected the formation of HBAs and HBQs from MeP during chlorination.

Structural Deterioration and Failure of the Laminated Wooden Roof of a Covered Swimming Pool

A swimming pool in Corrales de Buelna (Cantabria) was demolished in March 2017 due to the loss of mechanical performance of the laminated timber structure. The relevant deterioration was caused by rotting of the wood and corrosion of the metal connecting elements. The structure featured a barrel vault with five large tri-articulated arches enclosed on the sides by inclined facades formed by toral rafters and purlins. The corresponding diagnostic process involved data collection and structural assessments to verify the structure’s bearing capacity and serviceability. Data collection was carried out in December 2015 and consisted of a thermal camera inspection to determine the points of moisture accumulation and sampling openings, conduct environmental and wood hygrothermal measurements, and measure cross-sectional losses and deformations of the structural elements. Verification of the load-bearing capacity was carried out using matrix calculation structure software for both the original and deteriorated structure. The diagnosis indicated that the damage was caused by leaks in the joints of the aluminum composite roof panels and by the insufficient load-bearing capacity of the structure. The severity of the damage compromised the mechanical strength and stability of the building, leading to a recommendation that the use of the facilities be immediately discontinued. The degree of deterioration left the structure unrecoverable, making it very difficult to apply reinforcement measures. These factors led to the structure’s demolition to prevent its collapse.

The Adoption of Taxonomy Requirements to Facilitate the Green Transition of the Buildings Sector

For direct investment towards activities that significantly contribute to the achievement of the European Green Deal objectives, the European Union has adopted “Taxonomy Regulation”, which also applies disclosure requirements to financial institutions that finance the construction, renovation, or acquisition of buildings. For this reason, the financial sector needs methodologies and guidelines, adapted to the national situation, to define the primary energy thresholds to be used when assessing sustainability and financing the acquisition of real estate. This paper presents the methodology developed to identify 15% and 30% of the most energy-efficient national building stock in Lithuania based on EPC data. As a result, functional primary energy indicator (FPEI) threshold values are set for 17 distinct categories of existing buildings built by 31 December 2020. The 15% FPEI thresholds range from 81 kWh/m2 for warehouse buildings to 228 kWh/m2 for swimming pool buildings. Similarly, the 30% FPEI thresholds span from 104 kWh/m2 for warehouses to 303 kWh/m2 for foodservice buildings. The methodologies and threshold values are compared to other countries’ practice and recommendations are provided.

The Production of Fairy Shrimp as Live Food for Aquatic Animals and Transfer to Farmers

Fairy shrimps are zooplankton, a small crustacean with high nutritional value and carotenoids. Fairy shrimps are aquatic animals that feed on both living and non-living food by filtering. In Thailand, there are 3 species of fairy shrimps, namely Streptocephalus sirindhornae, Branchinella thailandensis, and Streptocephalus siamenesis. The three species of fairy shrimps exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of size, color, and egg morphology. There are 3 types of fairy shrimp culture in Thailand, namely, cement ponds, clay ponds, and hapas, which are adult fairy shrimp cultures. Both living and non-living forms of fairy shrimps are used by freezing. The usage of fairy shrimps come in both living and non-living, frozen forms. Fairy shrimps are fed as food for beautiful aquatic animals such as goldfish, cichlids, etc. They are also used as food pellets to feed aquatic animals such as giant freshwater prawns, Rad tilapia fish, etc. Therefore, it can be concluded that fairy shrimps have a significant potential as a valuable food source for both larval and adult aquatic organisms. Consequently, the widespread dissemination of knowledge about fairy shrimp aquaculture and utilization can greatly enhance their adoption in the aquaculture industry, thereby promoting sustainability.

What can we learn from the Jerusalem Community-Academic Partnership case study in an ultra-orthodox neighborhood?

Community-academic partnerships can be useful models for sustainable interventions. The Jerusalem Community-Academic Partnership (J-CAP) was established to address local health needs identified by a population survey. It engaged stakeholders and public health students as part of their training. We describe the establishment and processes of this partnership over a 3-year period.Part 1 of the program entailed mapping and undertaking a quality assessment of health promotion (HP) programs in Jerusalem. Part 2 (Years 2 and 3), described herein, entailed a participatory process wherein a particular neighborhood, with a predominantly Ultra-Orthodox population, was chosen for intervention. A local steering committee was set up, and students assessed assets and needs by direct observation, in-depth interviews, and focus groups, followed by the development of intervention programs using a participatory process. Neighborhood assets and needs identified in the first year served as a basis for the participatory process of developing intervention programs. Assets identified included the local community center and swimming pool. Barriers to a healthy lifestyle included a lack of health literacy, time constraints, socioeconomic factors, and local lifestyle and environmental characteristics. Students focused on public spaces, preschool children, and young women and mothers when designing, together with local leaders, intervention programs related to healthy nutrition and physical activity. The participatory process contributed to strengthening partnerships among several services and agencies investing in the health of Jerusalem residents. The students' critical service-learning contributed to their understanding of HP in the real world and the local community. The students' reports, which were submitted to the community center management, could serve to inform future interventions.

Innovative Strategy for Rainwater Harvesting in Saline-affected Urban Areas: A Case Study of a Sports Complex in Delhi

Water scarcity remains a critical global challenge, requiring immediate, sustainable management strategies, particularly in areas with an increasing disparity between water supply and demand. In India, and especially in Delhi, this issue is acute. In response to growing environmental concerns and the urgent need for sustainable water resource management, rainwater harvesting has emerged as a practical and effective solution for water conservation. This study investigates the application of rainwater harvesting to sustainably support water needs for a sports complex located in a salinity affected region. The land, originally intended for agriculture, has been converted into a complex featuring hydro-landscape facilities, including swimming pools, water polo areas, diving pools, toddler pools, and leisure pools. These facilities require an initial water input of 6,754.5 m³ and an annual replenishment of 7,957.28 m³ due to evaporation and seepage. By calculating the total rainwater harvesting potential based on the runoff coefficient, annual rainfall intensity, and the complex's catchment area, the study reveals that 29,693.8 m³ of rainwater can be harvested annually, providing a surplus of 14,981.7 m³ of potable water. This analysis demonstrates the viability of designing sports complexes in saline areas using efficient land use and rainwater harvesting, and presenting a scalable model for sustainable water management in similar regions worldwide.

Zero-Valent Iron and Sand Filtration Reduces Levels of Cyclospora cayetanensis Surrogates, Eimeria tenella and Eimeria acervulina, in Water.

Recurring outbreaks of cyclosporiasis linked to fresh produce demonstrate the need to develop interventions to reduce C. cayetanensis in irrigation water. C. cayetanensis is resistant to commonly used irrigation water treatments, such as chemical sanitizers, making removal of oocysts by filtration the most suitable intervention. This study evaluated the reduction of Eimeria tenella and E. acervulina, as surrogates for C. cayetanensis, in water using filters packed with sand alone or mixtures of sand and zero-valent iron (ZVI). Water inoculated with Eimeria spp. oocysts was filtered through laboratory-scale (PVC column) and field-scale (swimming pool filter) filters packed with either 100% sand or 50% ZVI/50% sand (v/v). Filtered and backflush water was examined microscopically for oocysts. Laboratory-scale filters with 50% ZVI significantly (p < 0.05) reduced 99.9% of E. tenella oocysts compared to 55.3% with filters containing 100% sand. At the field-scale level, 50% ZVI filters significantly (p < 0.05) reduced 70.5% of E. acervulina oocysts compared to 54.5% by 100% sand filters. Filters were backflushed to examine the recovery of these parasites during routine filter-media cleaning procedures. Backflush recovery of oocysts ranged from 4.42-16.7%. The addition of ZVI significantly improved the reduction of Eimeria spp. oocysts at both filter scales. and should be further investigated as a potential irrigation water intervention to reduce C. cayetanensis.

Marketing strategies to improve service quality at sports and fitness venues: a systematic review

The sports and fitness industry has seen accelerated growth with increasing public awareness about the relevance of health and well-being. Nowadays, facilities such as gyms, stadiums, swimming pools and fitness centers have become essential elements of lifestyle in society. Marketing strategies are important to attract and retain customers. The programs offered should be viewed as service products that have sales value. Therefore, implementing effective marketing strategies is necessary to compete, satisfy customer needs and increase customer loyalty. This research aims to conduct a systematic review of existing literature regarding marketing strategies for sports and fitness venues using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) method. This study includes research published in the last 10 years from indexed journal sources and identifies important findings regarding the effectiveness of various marketing strategies in service and retaining customers. The research results shows that personalization of service, utilization of technology, deep understanding of customer needs, and high service quality are key strategies that can increase perceived value, satisfaction, and customer loyalty in the sports and fitness sector.

Advances and Challenges in Automated Drowning Detection and Prevention Systems

Drowning is among the most common reasons for children’s death aged one to fourteen around the globe, ranking as the third leading cause of unintentional injury death. With rising populations and the growing popularity of swimming pools in hotels and villas, the incidence of drowning has accelerated. Accordingly, the development of systems for detecting and preventing drowning has become increasingly critical to provide safe swimming settings. In this paper, we propose a comprehensive review of recent existing advancements in automated drowning detection and prevention systems. The existing approaches can be broadly categorized according to their objectives into two main groups: detection-based systems, which alert lifeguards or parents to perform manual rescues, and detection and rescue-based systems, which integrate detection with automatic rescue mechanisms. Automatic drowning detection approaches could be further categorized into computer vision-based approaches, where camera-captured images are analyzed by machine learning algorithms to detect instances of drowning, and sensing-based approaches, where sensing instruments are attached to swimmers to monitor their physical parameters. We explore the advantages and limitations of each approach. Additionally, we highlight technical challenges and unresolved issues related to this domain, such as data imbalance, accuracy, privacy concerns, and integration with rescue systems. We also identify future research opportunities, emphasizing the need for more advanced AI models, uniform datasets, and better integration of detection with autonomous rescue mechanisms. This study aims to provide a critical resource for researchers and practitioners, facilitating the development of more effective systems to enhance water safety and minimize drowning incidents.

Determining Validity and Reliability of an In-Field Performance Analysis System for Swimming.

To permit the collection of quantitative data on start, turn and clean swimming performances in any swimming pool, the aims of the present study were to (1) validate a mobile in-field performance analysis system (PAS) against the Kistler starting block equipped with force plates and synchronized to a 2D camera system (KiSwim, Kistler, Winterthur, Switzerland), (2) assess the PAS's interrater reliability and (3) provide percentiles as reference values for elite junior and adult swimmers. Members of the Swiss junior and adult national swimming teams including medalists at Olympic Games, World and European Championships volunteered for the present study (n = 47; age: 17 ± 4 [range: 13-29] years; World Aquatics Points: 747 ± 100 [range: 527-994]). All start and turn trials were video-recorded and analyzed using two methods: PAS and KiSwim. The PAS involves one fixed view camera recording overwater start footage and a sport action camera that is moved underwater along the side of the pool perpendicular to the swimming lane on a 1.55 m long monostand. From a total of 25 parameters determined with the PAS, 16 are also measurable with the KiSwim, of which 7 parameters showed satisfactory validity (r = 0.95-1.00, p < 0.001, %-difference < 1%). Interrater reliability was determined for all 25 parameters of the PAS and reliability was accepted for 21 of those start, turn and swimming parameters (ICC = 0.78-1.00). The percentiles for all valid and reliable parameters provide reference values for assessment of start, turn and swimming performance for junior and adult national team swimmers. The in-field PAS provides a mobile method to assess start, turn and clean swimming performance with high validity and reliability. The analysis template and manual included in the present article aid the practical application of the PAS in research and development projects as well as academic works.

Empowering Local Tourism through Competitive Swimming Events for Sustainable Development at Swembath Natural Springs

This article presents the results of a community empowerment project aimed at revitalizing local tourism at Swembath Natural Springs in Naga Soppa, Simalungun Regency, North Sumatra. Faced with declining visitor numbers and the need to boost local economic activity, this project integrated competitive swimming events as a new attraction while fostering sustainable development. The construction of an international-standard swimming pool served as the foundation for this initiative, offering a venue for sports tourism that attracts both athletes and recreational visitors. The project also included comprehensive training for local businesses, focusing on tourism management, digital marketing, and service improvement, thereby empowering the community to capitalize on the influx of tourists. The results show a significant increase in visitor numbers during swimming competitions, positively impacting local businesses such as food vendors, craft sellers, and accommodation providers. Moreover, the project fostered environmental conservation efforts, ensuring that the natural beauty of Swembath is preserved for future generations. This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in terms of economic empowerment and environmental sustainability. The community now possesses the tools and infrastructure needed to maintain Swembath as a competitive tourist destination, with a sustainable model that benefits both the environment and the local economy. The project's success highlights the potential of integrating sports tourism and community-based empowerment to foster long-term economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Impact of Swimming Training on the Course and Symptoms of Bronchial Asthma and Respiratory System Function: A Literature Review

Introduction: Bronchial asthma is one of the most common inflammatory diseases among adults and children. It is characterized by the occurrence of bronchial obstruction, which is manifested, for instance, by a feeling of shortness of breath, wheezing, a feeling of tightness in the chest, a feeling of squeezing in the chest. In addition to pharmacological treatment, health behavior including sport is of great importance. In this publication, we will attempt to discuss the effects of swim training on asthma and respiratory system function. We will try to answer the question whether swimming is a safe form of exercise for patients with bronchial asthma.Material and methods: Review of the specialized literature in the field of pulmonology, guidelines for treatment of bronchial asthma and articles available on PubMed and Google Scholar database searching by the keywordsAim of the study: The aim of this publication is to review the available literature to answer the question of whether swimming training is a suitable form of exercise for asthmatic patients and what effect it has on respiratory functionConclusions: The treatment of bronchial asthma is based on the pharmacological treatment. In addition to medications, non-pharmacological methods and health behaviours are important. Appropriate physical activity for people with asthma may include swimming training, which has a beneficial effect on lung function and asthma symptoms management, especially in the paediatric population. There are studies that suggest that swimming carries a lower risk of causing bronchospasm than other sport activities, however, there are inconclusive reports on the effect of attending chlorinated swimming pools on the development of asthma and allergies. Studies on competitive and elite swimmers show that intensive swimming training, especially in chlorinated pools, can induce bronchial hyperresponsiveness and the risk of developing asthma, but this requires further research.

Optimizing light environments in aquatics center to enhance the performance of Olympic champions and other elite swimmers: An experimental study

Several major international sports events in the next five years require new sports venues, with lighting environments being a crucial factor. Typically, the lighting systems in sports venues are primarily for illumination. However, since light has been indicated to affect human psychology and physiology, we investigated whether the light environments in sports buildings impact athletic performance. Additionally, swimming is the indoor sport with the most gold medals in the Olympics. Therefore, we conducted a within-subject, randomized crossover study in an aquatics center with fourteen elite swimmers, including the Olympic champions and Asian champions (6 female and 8 male; 19.3 ± 3.4 years of age). During the experiment, the elite swimmers were exposed to either a common correlated color temperature (CCT) light environment (controlled condition: 5780 K) or an experimental light environment (8512 K) in the aquatics center, with both having the same illuminance (1020 lx). The neurobehavioral and swimming test results showed that the Olympic champions and other elite swimmers had significantly faster responses, fewer lapses, greater arousal, less visual fatigue, quicker reactions at start, and higher swimming speeds in the experimental condition compared to the controlled condition (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that the light environment in the aquatics center affects swimmers' non-visual performance and enhancing the CCT of the light environment could improve swimmers' performance. We propose the concepts of Sports Lighting Beyond Illumination and Sports Human-Centric Lighting to enhance athletes’ health and performance, and to improve the sports environment for a better experience for all participants.

Analysis of cooling load calculations using AHU in swimming pools (indoor pools)

AC or Air Conditioner is one of the most widely used mechanical devices in Indonesia. A machine device that functions as an air conditioner so that the indoor air temperature is comfortable, healthy, and has the humidity required by the occupants. Air freshening systems or ACs are increasingly becoming a necessity for urban communities, whether in homes, office buildings, apartments, hotels, swimming pools, hospitals, and even in lecture rooms. The indoor swimming pool measuring 40 x 11 x 3.5 m is located in the apartment So it is uncomfortable for swimmers. Thus, it is necessary to design using an AC system so that the temperature in the swimming pool is cool and comfortable for swimmers. The planning methodology starts by determining data on the indoor swimming pool in apartment AC used. From the analysis results, the cooling load was obtained at 411.5 kW, including a sensible load of 397.66 kW and a Latin load of 13.85 kW, the refrigerant used by the engine was R134a, the compressor power was 81 HP, while the COP was 6.8. So that the indoor air is evenly distributed comfortably, the indoor cold air distribution system uses an AHU (Air Handling Unit) system, capacity of 1900 m3/hour. 2 AHU Units, Blower Power 3 kW

Was Palaeolake Messel a death-trap? Insight from modern bat drownings and decay experiments

AbstractThe Messel Pit is an ancient maar lake that preserves an ecosystem from the last greenhouse phase of Earth’s climate with exceptional fidelity. There are two main competing hypotheses to explain the occurrence of animal fossils at Messel: asphyxiation in layers of heavy, toxic gases like carbon dioxide, and death following ingestion of surface water contaminated by cyanobacterial toxins. Both hypotheses imply mortality much higher than the null hypothesis of accidental death, for instance by drowning. We tested these hypotheses amongst bats by recourse to a unique survey on bats that drowned in modern swimming pools. We further conducted experiments on the fate of fresh bat carcasses that simulate drowning. Finally, we estimated the annual rate of bat fossil production at Messel. Overall, there are few good surveyed predictors of whether bats drown in swimming pools: most physical parameters like pool size or the height and distance of obstructions were not associated with mortality, although pool liner type would be a good candidate parameter for future study. In our experiments, carcasses with water-filled lungs tend to sink more quickly than those with air-filled lungs; all carcasses that initially sink “bloat and float” at shallow depths, but all floaters eventually disarticulate and sink within days to weeks. Our estimates of annual bat mortality at Palaeolake Messel are of the same order of magnitude as mortality in swimming pools. Mass mortality horizons for vertebrates are very rare at Messel. In sum, our quantitative analyses provide no evidence that bat mortality at Messel rises above background levels.