PARIS (AP) - Cries of "It is warm!" echoed across the Seine on Saturday morning as Parisians took the plunge into the river legally for the first time in over a century. This momentous event marks a significant change in the relationship between the city and its river, which had been illegal to swim in since 1923 due to concerns over pollution and navigation hazards.
The designated swimming areas, which include two newly constructed wooden decks located near the Eiffel Tower and the Île Saint-Louis, welcomed eager swimmers just after sunrise. A municipal officer ensured safety by removing any remaining patches of algae from the water with a fishnet prior to the swimmers arriving. A line quickly formed, with residents holding towels while awaiting their turn to experience this unique swimming opportunity in the heart of Paris.
Excitement rang through the air as the first individuals entered the emerald-green waters, accompanied by cheers and shouts of joy. Each swimmer donned a bright yellow lifebuoy, in accordance with safety protocols enforced by a team of lifeguards wearing high-visibility vests. The current in the river was gentle, allowing swimmers to enjoy the refreshing experience while being reminded that they were in an active urban waterway.
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." His sentiments were echoed by many other participants as they embraced the unprecedented opportunity to swim in the Seine.
The city’s return to swimming activities in the river is a result of a comprehensive 1.4 billion euro ($1.5 billion) cleanup project initiated ahead of the 2024 Olympics. Officials now report that the Seine meets European water quality standards for swimming on most days. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo was present at the event, proudly showcasing a transparent bottle filled with seawater to demonstrate her confidence in the river's cleanliness. Environmental authorities have confirmed that bacteria levels in the water are well below accepted thresholds, enhancing the safety of this recreational activity.
Throughout the decades when swimming in the Seine was prohibited, the risks posed by pollution and navigation made the river a dangerous place for such activities. Current regulations still prohibit swimming outside designated areas to ensure public safety. The atmosphere during this inaugural swim event was festive, with both tourists and local joggers pausing to watch the occasion unfold. While many applauded the swimmers as they climbed back onto the decks, others, like nearby resident François Fournier, remained cautious. "I won’t risk it quite frankly," he remarked while observing from a bridge. "I’ve seen things you can’t imagine floating in the Seine, so I’ll wait for it to be really squeaky clean."
Despite some lingering debris in the water, such as stray leaves and plastic wrappers, the smell was minimal, resembling a natural, earthy river scent rather than the strong sewage odors that once plagued the Seine. Local resident Lucile Woodward, 43, expressed her enthusiasm, calling it chic to swim beside the Île Saint-Louis. She shared her thoughts on the stringent testing procedures in place, stating, "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," indicating her positive experience thus far.
