Seine River in Paris Opens for Public Swimming

The Seine River in Paris is now open for public swimming for the first time since 1923, according to reports. This reopening on July 5 is part of a wider initiative to clean the river in preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The decision to allow swimming was prompted by the upcoming Olympic events, including triathlons scheduled for both men and women. Initially, there were some safety concerns, leading to the postponement of the men’s race by a day, even though tests showed the water was safe for swimming.

During the Olympic Games’ opening ceremony, athletes are expected to float down the river, marking a vibrant experience for both competitors and spectators.

Currently, swimmers can enjoy three designated spots along the riverbanks, and these sites can accommodate over 1,000 individuals every day until the end of August.

One of the first swimmers, a 24-year-old Brazilian who lives in Paris, expressed his delight: “It was really good, I was impressed and surprised. I never imagined I’d be swimming near the Eiffel Tower.”

A 51-year-old female swimmer shared her experience too: “The water is clean, warm, and clear. There’s a bit of algae, but that’s normal.” These reactions highlight an unexpected joy for many locals and visitors alike.

The efforts to clean the Seine included significant investments to connect numerous homes to sewer systems, upgrade water treatment facilities, and build reservoirs to manage stormwater effectively. This was necessary to prevent sewer overflows during heavy rainfall.

Daily water quality tests are carried out throughout the swimming season, with flags indicating when areas are open or closed for swimming. Beyond the Paris area, additional swimming spots along the Seine and Marne rivers are also available, with some already operational.