PARIS (AP) – For the first time in over a century, Parisians enthusiastically jumped into the Seine River on Saturday morning, proclaiming, “It is warm!” This historic event marked the resumption of public swimming, which had been prohibited since 1923 due to pollution concerns and navigation hazards.
Designated swimming areas were established along the Seine, featuring two newly constructed wooden decks positioned near the iconic Eiffel Tower and Île Saint-Louis in central Paris. Early in the morning, a municipal officer meticulously removed the last remaining patches of algae to prepare for the eager crowds. As dawn broke, a line of excited Parisians formed, towels in hand, anxiously awaiting their turn to dive into the river.
As the first swimmers entered the emerald-green waters, joyous cheers and applause reverberated along the riverbanks. Each participant donned a bright yellow lifebuoy strapped around their waist, a part of rigorous safety measures enforced by a dozen lifeguards clad in high-visibility vests. Despite the Seine's status as a bustling urban river, the current was mild, providing a gentle pull on swimmers.
Amine Hocini, a 25-year-old construction worker from Paris, expressed his delight, stating, “It’s so nice to swim in the heart of the city, especially with the high temperatures we’ve been having lately. I’m surprised because I thought it was going to be cooler and in fact, it’s much warmer than I thought.”
This revival of swimming in the Seine follows a substantial €1.4 billion (approximately $1.5 billion) cleanup project linked to the upcoming 2024 Olympics. Local officials assert that the Seine generally meets European water quality standards, enabling this new recreational opportunity. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who had already taken a dip in the river last year, attended the event, proudly displaying a transparent bottle filled with river water to demonstrate her confidence in its cleanliness. Environmental authorities have confirmed that bacteria levels in the water were well below acceptable thresholds.
Historically, swimming in the Seine had been illegal due to health risks until recent efforts transformed the water quality. While designated areas are now available for swimming, risks remain, prompting continued prohibitions against swimming outside these safe zones.
As the event unfolded, onlookers—tourists and morning joggers alike—stopped to observe the jubilant swimmers. Some applauded as individuals emerged from the water, laughing and dripping wet. Yet not all spectators were convinced of the river’s safety. François Fournier, a local resident watching from a nearby bridge, expressed his reservations, saying, “I won’t risk it quite frankly. I’ve seen things you can’t imagine floating in the Seine, so I’ll wait for it to be really squeaky clean.”
Floating debris, such as leaves and plastic wrappers, was still visible in parts of the water, although the smell was not overpowering; instead, it retained a faint earthy, river-like scent. Lucile Woodward, a 43-year-old resident, shared her thoughts, remarking, “This is so chic, to swim in the Seine, next to Île Saint-Louis. There are some apprehensions, of course, anytime you go to swim somewhere, but I think this is one of the most tested areas in the whole world now. I don’t think the town hall can allow itself to have any problems.” With a laugh, she added, “My skin is OK.”
