Seine River Opened for Public Swimming After a Century

In a historic change, the Seine River in Paris has been reopened for public swimming, marking the first time in over a century that residents can bathe in its waters. This initiative is part of the city's legacy project linked to the upcoming Olympic Games in 2024.

On Saturday morning, the Parisian authorities inaugurated three designated swimming areas along the river, allowing eager swimmers to take their first dips since the ban was imposed in 1923. The areas, monitored by lifeguards, feature facilities such as changing rooms and showers. The locations include spots near iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Bibliothèque nationale de France.

These swimming zones are designed to accommodate between 150 to 300 individuals, complete with beach-style seating for sunbathing. Access to these facilities will remain free until the end of August, and city officials have committed to ongoing water quality assessments to ensure safety.

The decision to lift the swimming ban stems from extensive efforts to improve the river's water quality, which was largely deemed unsafe for public bathing due to pollution issues. Historically, the Seine has faced contamination from industrial discharges, urban runoff, and sewage overflows, which posed health risks such as skin infections and gastrointestinal diseases.

Despite the official ban, swimming in the Seine persisted informally until the 1960s, with various attempts made to reverse the prohibition. Notably, former Paris mayor Jacques Chirac advocated for lifting the ban in 1988, emphasizing the need for cleaner waters.

In preparation for the 2024 Olympics, which will feature events in the river, the French government invested approximately EUR1.4 billion to upgrade water treatment facilities and construct an underground storage system to manage wastewater during heavy rainfall. This initiative aims not only to facilitate Olympic events but also to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors long after the games conclude.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo highlighted that cleaning the Seine is part of a broader strategy to adapt the city to climate change and improve urban living conditions. French officials have expressed their aim for all citizens to enjoy the Seine's waters this summer.

In a statement reflecting on the project, President Emmanuel Macron lauded the reopening of the swimming areas, describing it as a point of national pride.