With designated swimming areas and improved water quality, residents and visitors alike can now enjoy a refreshing swim in the iconic river.
**Swimming Returns to the Seine: A Historic Moment for Paris**
**Swimming Returns to the Seine: A Historic Moment for Paris**
The River Seine in Paris reopens to swimmers after a 100-year hiatus, marking a milestone for the city's Olympic preparations.
The River Seine in Paris has officially reopened for public swimming for the first time in a century, a monumental moment following a ban that was enforced in 1923 due to severe water pollution. This reopening is largely attributed to the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, where the river is set to host swimming and triathlon events, necessitating substantial cleaning efforts.
Early Saturday morning, enthusiastic swimmers gathered at various locations along the Seine, which boasts three designated swimming zones. These areas are strategically located near major landmarks: one adjacent to the Eiffel Tower, another near the Notre Dame Cathedral, and a third situated in eastern Paris. Each site is equipped with amenities including changing rooms, showers, and beach-style furniture, capable of accommodating up to 300 people.
Open for free until the end of August, these swimming sites require participants to be at least 10 or 14 years old, depending on the area. Lifeguards are stationed to ensure safety as swimmers enjoy the revitalized river waters.
The effort to lift the swimming ban has roots tracing back to 1988 when Jacques Chirac, then mayor of Paris and later president, advocated for its reversal. In the past two decades, concerted efforts to reduce pollution levels have significantly improved the water quality in the Seine, leading to the eventual decision to open it to swimmers again.
Over €1.4 billion (approximately $1.6 billion) was invested in cleaning the river in anticipation of the 2024 Olympics. However, concerns had arisen prior to the games regarding the river’s water quality, especially after heavy rainfalls led to heightened pollution levels, creating challenges for training of Olympic athletes.
In a bid to demonstrate the cleanliness of the Seine, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, along with Olympic committee members, participated in a swim last summer, alleviating fears about the river's safety. Such actions, paired with the city's commitment to maintaining and enhancing water quality, have paved the way for a new era of recreational activities on the Seine, a beloved emblem of Paris.
