River Seine Opens for Public Swimming After a Century-Long Hiatus

The River Seine welcomes swimmers for the first time since 1923 following extensive cleanup efforts, signaling a significant milestone for public health and recreation in the city.

In a landmark development for Parisians and visitors alike, the River Seine has reopened to swimmers for the first time since 1923, ending a ban that has lasted nearly a century. The temporary swimming areas are an exciting feature of the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, where open water competitions will take place in the river.

On Saturday morning, a group of enthusiastic swimmers gathered at 08:00 local time, eagerly awaiting the chance to dive into the freshly cleaned waters of the Seine. Three designated swimming zones have been created, with locations near the iconic Eiffel Tower, close to Notre Dame Cathedral, and in eastern Paris. Each site is equipped with changing rooms, showers, and beach-style furniture, allowing up to 300 people to enjoy the areas comfortably.

These swimming sites will be open for public use until the end of August and will be accessible for free during scheduled times. Swimmers must be at least 10 or 14 years old, depending on the location, and a number of lifeguards will be on hand to ensure safety.

The plan to lift the swimming ban has its roots in 1988 when former Paris mayor Jacques Chirac sought to reverse the prohibition due to longstanding concerns about water pollution. Since then, significant progress has been made, with over €1.4 billion invested over two decades to reduce faecal bacteria levels in the river. However, as recent as last summer, there were uncertainties surrounding water quality leading up to the Olympics, prompting Mayor Anne Hidalgo and Olympic officials to test the waters personally to reassure the public.

The reopening marks not just a return to swimming for Parisians but a broader commitment to environmental improvement and public health, showcasing a new chapter for the Seine and its role in urban life.