Unofficial swimming in the Seine river resumes in Paris after more than a century - Historic Revival: Parisian River Seine Opens for Public Bathing after Century-Long Hiatus
**Reopening of the Seine River for Public Swimming in Paris**
After a century-long ban, Paris has brought back the joy of swimming in the iconic Seine River. The decision, made in part due to the cleanup efforts for the Paris 2024 Olympics, has transformed three areas along the river into designated swimming sites.
The newly established swimming zones offer a range of facilities for visitors to enjoy. Each site is equipped with changing rooms, showers, and beach-style furniture, providing a relaxing atmosphere for everyone. The capacity of these sites varies, with some areas accommodating up to 1,000 swimmers daily until the end of August, while others can host 150 to 300 people at a time.
Swimming is open to individuals aged 10 or 14 years and above, depending on the location, and operates on a scheduled basis.
Given the Seine's strong currents and urban environment, Paris officials have implemented several safety measures. Trained lifeguards are stationed at each site, wearing high-visibility vests and carrying safety equipment. They assess each swimmer's ability before allowing them to swim independently. Swimmers are also required to wear bright yellow lifebuoys while in the water to enhance visibility and safety.
Daily water pollution tests are conducted to ensure the water quality is safe for swimming. Swimming is only allowed in designated areas, and a decree has been issued to impose fines for those swimming outside these zones. In case of deterioration, the bathing operation will be suspended.
Before entering the water, all swimmers must attach a yellow swimming aid with a belt around their waist for safety. This year, bathers will be informed via green, yellow, or red flags about whether river bathing is fully recommended, restricted, or prohibited.
The opening of these swimming spots marks the fulfillment of a promise made by Jacques Chirac, a previous mayor of Paris, who announced in 1988 that he wanted to swim in the Seine five years later. The bathing season is expected to remain open until 31 August.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, along with Sports Minister Marie Barsacq, inaugurated the swimming facilities at a bathing spot opposite the Saint-Louis island. The state invested approximately 1.4 billion euros in cleaning the Seine River to allow some competitions to take place during the 2024 Olympic Games. Hidalgo aims to open a total of 30 bathing spots in Paris.
The water quality at these bathing spots is currently "excellent," with levels of Escherichia coli and enterococci bacteria well below the limits. Potential dangers at controlled bathing spots include silt, aquatic plants on the riverbed, currents, and possible hypothermia.
On Saturday morning, 95-year-old Parisian Ingrid was among the first bathers at the Bercy bathing spot, marking a historic moment for the city and its residents. The reopening of the Seine River for public swimming is expected to help prevent illegal bathing in dangerous spots in the Seine.
- The reopening of the Seine River for public swimming in Paris marks a significant shift in the city's lifestyle, encouraging outdoor-living and sports enthusiasts to take advantage of the newly established swimming zones.
- The return of public bathing in the Seine River is part of Paris's endeavor towards promoting home-and-garden-inspired facilities, such as the beach-style furniture and communal areas provided at each site.
- The revival of public swimming in the Seine River also holds significance for sports betting enthusiasts, as it presents new opportunities for Olympic Games-related sports events, such as swimming competitions during the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.
