The River Seine in Paris has officially reopened for public swimming, marking the first time individuals have soaked in its waters in a century. This seasonal opportunity, which commenced on Saturday, is a momentous milestone leading up to the Paris 2024 Olympics, where many athletes will be competing in open water events. Swimmers could be seen arriving early to dive in as soon as the designated sites opened at 8:00 AM local time.
River Seine Welcomes Swimmers After Ban Lifting: A New Era for Paris
River Seine Welcomes Swimmers After Ban Lifting: A New Era for Paris
Public swimming reopens in the River Seine for the first time since 1923, symbolizing a significant milestone ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Three specific areas have been provided for public use: one situated near the Eiffel Tower, another close to the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, and a third in eastern Paris. These spots feature amenities such as changing rooms, showers, and lounging furniture, allowing up to 300 individuals to enjoy a day by the water. The swimming zones will be available to swimmers aged 10 or older until the end of August, complete with lifeguards on duty to ensure safety.
The initiative to allow swimming in the Seine harks back to 1988 when then-mayor Jacques Chirac initiated calls to lift the long-standing prohibition due to high pollution levels that posed health risks. Recent concerted efforts over the past two decades have led to a dramatic improvement in water quality, significantly reducing harmful bacteria.
In preparation for the Olympics, over €1.4 billion has been invested in cleaning the river, despite initial concerns regarding its suitability for athletes after some water quality troubles were reported last year. However, to demonstrate safety, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, along with Olympic committee members, took the plunge themselves in the Seine, indicating their confidence in the river's improved condition.
As Paris embraces this step back into its historic river, ordinary citizens are now afforded the splendid opportunity to swim in the very waters that have long been off-limits.
The initiative to allow swimming in the Seine harks back to 1988 when then-mayor Jacques Chirac initiated calls to lift the long-standing prohibition due to high pollution levels that posed health risks. Recent concerted efforts over the past two decades have led to a dramatic improvement in water quality, significantly reducing harmful bacteria.
In preparation for the Olympics, over €1.4 billion has been invested in cleaning the river, despite initial concerns regarding its suitability for athletes after some water quality troubles were reported last year. However, to demonstrate safety, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, along with Olympic committee members, took the plunge themselves in the Seine, indicating their confidence in the river's improved condition.
As Paris embraces this step back into its historic river, ordinary citizens are now afforded the splendid opportunity to swim in the very waters that have long been off-limits.
