In brief
The River Seine in Paris has officially reopened for public swimming for the first time since a ban was enacted in 1923. The seasonal swimming areas are seen as a significant legacy of the upcoming 2024 Olympics, where athletes will compete in the river's waters that have been meticulously cleaned for this occasion. On Saturday, dozens of eager swimmers made their way to the designated swimming zones as doors opened at 8:00 AM local time.
Three specific locations along the Seine have been designated for swimming: one near the iconic Eiffel Tower, another adjacent to Notre Dame Cathedral, and the last in eastern Paris. Each site is equipped with changing rooms, showers, and beach amenities, accommodating around 300 individuals at a time to sunbathe and enjoy the water. Set to remain open until the end of August, swimming will be free of charge during specific hours for individuals aged 10 and above, depending on the area, with lifeguards on hand for safety.The initiative to lift the swimming ban traces back to 1988, when former Paris Mayor Jacques Chirac advocated for a return to swimming in the Seine. Over the past two decades, significant investment has made strides in cleaning the river, substantially reducing the levels of harmful bacteria. Despite a €1.4 billion investment made in preparation for the Olympics, concerns lingered over the water quality, particularly after test results showed contamination due to rainfall.In a bid to ensure safety, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and members of the Olympic committee took to the Seine last summer to demonstrate its suitability for swimming. As anticipation builds for the Olympic Games, the reopening of the River Seine marks a memorable milestone for both the city and its residents.
