Seine and Be Seen Paris Swims into History After Century-Long Ban!

A Century Later, Parisians Joyfully Reclaim the Seine for a Historic Swim

For the first time in over a century, the iconic Seine River in Paris has reopened for public swimming, marking a monumental achievement in urban revitalization and environmental cleanup. On a bright morning, eager Parisians plunged into the river, celebrating a historic moment decades in the making.

The swim was made possible by a comprehensive **€1.4 billion ($1.5 billion) cleanup project**, initially spurred by preparations for last year's Olympics. This ambitious endeavor aimed to bring the Seine up to European water quality standards, a goal that officials now confidently assert has been largely achieved.

Here are some key highlights from this momentous occasion:

• Every swimmer was equipped with a bright yellow lifebuoy, ensuring maximum safety.
• A team of a dozen lifeguards, easily identifiable in high-visibility vests, closely monitored the swimmers.
• Environmental authorities have confirmed that bacteria levels are well below the official safety thresholds.
• The current was gentle, providing a refreshing yet safe swimming experience.

Amine Hocini, a 25-year-old construction worker, captured the sentiments of many, saying, **“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.”**

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, a champion of the cleanup efforts, was present to mark the occasion. She even held up a transparent bottle filled with river water, demonstrating her confidence in the Seine's newfound cleanliness. Hidalgo herself took a dip last year as a symbolic gesture of the river's transformation.

Swimming in the Seine had been illegal since 1923 due to pollution and navigational hazards. While swimming is now permitted in designated bathing areas, it remains prohibited elsewhere for safety reasons.

The event drew onlookers from all walks of life. Tourists and morning joggers paused to witness the historic swim. Many applauded the participants as they emerged from the water, their faces beaming with joy. However, some, like François Fournier, remained cautiously optimistic, preferring to wait for further assurances of the river's cleanliness.

While some floating debris, such as leaves and wrappers, could still be spotted, the infamous sewage odor was largely absent, replaced by a more natural, earthy scent.

Lucile Woodward, a Parisian resident, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, **“This is so chic, to swim in the Seine, next to Île Saint-Louis. There are some apprehensions, of course, any time 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 herself to have any problems.”** She playfully added, “My skin is OK.”

The reopening of the Seine for swimming represents more than just a recreational opportunity. It's a symbol of Paris's commitment to environmental sustainability and a testament to what can be achieved through dedicated effort and investment. As the city looks toward the future, the revitalized Seine promises to be a vibrant hub for recreation and a source of pride for Parisians for generations to come.

Tags: Seine River, Paris swimming, Urban swim, River cleanup, Water quality, Anne Hidalgo, Olympic project, City river, Europe standards, Safe swim, Paris, France, Environment, Tourism

Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/world/europe/paris-swimming-seine-100-years-rcna217021