Paris Swimmers Return to the River Seine After 100-Year Ban

Seine Reopens for Public Swimming

• 🏊 Paris has reopened the River Seine to public swimming for the first time in over a century, with the ban lifted on Saturday.
• 💡 The first swimmers expressed surprise at the water temperature, finding it warmer than expected.
• 📍 Three dedicated swimming sites have opened: one in central Paris near Notre Dame Cathedral, another in eastern Paris near the finance ministry, and a third near the Eiffel Tower.

Safety and Water Quality Measures

• 🔒 Security is paramount, with swimming only authorized at these three designated sites where lifeguards are present and boat traffic is managed.
• 💧 Water quality is a key concern, and organizers assure that daily checks are conducted, reportedly more frequently than at some French beaches.
• 🚢 Historically, concerns about water pollution and the cohabitation with commercial and tourist boats led to the century-long ban.

Inauguration and Public Excitement

• 🚀 The opening of the swimming sites was inaugurated by Mayor Anne Hidalgo, fulfilling a promise.
• ☀️ The reopening comes after weeks of intense heat in Paris, offering residents a new way to cool off.
• 🥳 Despite a slight nip in the air on the opening day, the atmosphere was described as excited and raring to go.