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- Sascha Pohle
During the hot summer days the big public pools of Tokyo, mostly situated in amusement parks, are completely overcrowded. To accommodate such a public there exist rules and orders, somewhat reminiscent of traffic laws. Generally the pool area becomes drown-out with voices from speakers and megaphones penalizing ill behavior, or stating commands in regards to safety. Because the pool is often too crowded many are forced to stand, and they are required to leave the pool almost every hour so the lifeguards may make a safety check. During these 10 min breaks the pool is searched for lost belongings or children. The break also serves to prevent drowning. When the pool is completely empty of people, the pool’s shape and blue color stand out. After 10 min the swimmers are allowed to return to the water and one hour later the clearing-out will be repeated.
The work Safety Hour be read as an allegory of the individual and collective fear of death. The supposedly safe pool, as an alternative to the nearby open sea with all its dangerous weather outbreaks, animals and currents, is addressed in regard to its insecurity. The human crowd, driven by the yearning for fun and recreation requires intricate safety concepts. Humans turn out to be their own danger and masses have to be transformed under the influence of fear.
Video stills
SAFETY HOUR I, II, III