Parisians can once again swim in the River Seine, ending a hundred-year prohibition.
Amidst a scorching heatwave that put Paris on its highest alert level during a Europe-wide heatwave, the River Seine, long considered a dangerous and polluted waterway, has been reopened for swimming for the first time since 1923. This historic move comes after years of investment and rigorous safety measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
The reopening of the Seine for swimming involves strict age, height, and swimming ability restrictions. Swimmers aged 14 and above are permitted at most sites, with a minimum age of 10 years old at Bercy. Minors under 14 must be accompanied by an adult, with adult-to-child supervision ratios enforced.
Safety gear is also compulsory, with lifebuoys provided on loan. Lifeguards continuously monitor the swimming areas, controlling access and ensuring safety. Most bathing sites are accessible to people with reduced mobility, although some areas may have limited amenities.
Authorities acknowledge that the Seine remains a potentially hazardous environment due to its strong currents and other potential dangers. However, daily water quality analysis during the bathing season (usually from July 5 to August 31) ensures that swimming is only allowed when water quality meets safety standards. Areas are closed if water quality deteriorates or if currents are too strong.
Paris officials have taken measures to ensure swimmers can safely enjoy the reopening. Daily water pollution testing and a swim test for bathers are in place. In addition, President Emmanuel Macron described the reopening as the result of a "collective effort."
The swimming spots are equipped with changing rooms, showers, and beach-style furniture, and they will be open until August 31. Swimming is now allowed at three bathing sites in Paris, including one near the Eiffel Tower.
The opening of the Seine for swimming is seen as a key legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympics. Authorities invested approximately 1.4 billion euros ($1.6 billion) ahead of the Games to improve the Seine's water quality. Work carried out upstream, including 2,000 new connections to the sewage system, promises even better water quality.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo visited the Bras Marie site on Saturday morning, reiterating that cleaning up the Seine for the Olympics was not the final goal but part of a broader effort to adapt the city to climate change and enhance quality of life. A decree issued in late June introduced fines for anyone swimming outside designated areas.
With record-breaking temperatures hitting Europe, including France, authorities expect Parisians to embrace the relief of a refreshing swim. Flags will inform bathers about pollution levels in the water every day, and if it rains, the sites will likely close the day after.
The promise to lift the swimming ban dates back to 1988, when then-mayor of Paris Jacques Chirac first advocated for its reversal. The reopening of the Seine for swimming marks a significant milestone in the city's history and offers Parisians a unique opportunity to cool off during the summer months.
Swimmers can find suitable home-and-garden settings by the River Seine, as the reopening has created multiple bathing sites, each equipped with changing rooms, showers, and beach-style furniture. Adhering to a lifestyle of safety, swimmers must follow age, height, and swimming ability restrictions, while regulatory measures such as daily water pollution testing and designated swimming areas ensure a clean and secure environment for all.
