Seine River Swimmers Return: Parisians Dip in the River after Over a Hundred Years Ban Lifted
In a historic moment for Paris, residents and visitors alike were able to take a refreshing swim in the Seine River on Saturday morning, marking the first time in over a century that swimming has been permitted. This milestone comes after a €1.5 billion cleanup project tied to last year's Olympics made the Seine meet and even surpass European water quality standards on most days.
Environmental authorities have confirmed that bacteria levels, specifically E. coli and enterococci, are well below official thresholds, with one group measuring ten times below and the other more than 25 times below the required limits. The Seine is now rated as having "exceptional" water quality on most days.
The improvement in the river's condition has led to the opening of designated swimming areas near iconic locations such as the Eiffel Tower and Île Saint-Louis. Although some skepticism remains among locals regarding residual debris, the absence of strong sewage odors and the rigorous testing have boosted confidence in the river's cleanliness.
President Emmanuel Macron wrote about the lifting of the swimming ban as the result of a "collective effort" and a moment of "pride" for France. Mayor Anne Hidalgo was present and displayed confidence in the river's water quality by holding up a bottle of it.
As swimmers dived into the Seine, wearing bright yellow lifebuoys and supervised by lifeguards, tourists and morning joggers stopped to watch. Amine Hocini, a 25-year-old construction worker, expressed surprise at the water's warmth, stating it was much warmer than he expected. The current in the Seine was weak, reminding swimmers it is still a living, urban river.
The swimming spots in the Seine will be open until August 31 due to record-breaking temperatures hitting Europe. Floating debris, such as a stray leaf or plastic wrapper, was still present in the Seine, but the smell of the Seine was barely noticeable, with no strong sewage odor, just an earthy, river-like scent.
The swimming ban was first advocated for reversal by Jacques Chirac, a former mayor of Paris and future president, in 1988. Lucile Woodward, a resident, considered the designated swimming areas in the Seine to be one of the most tested areas in the world. Francois Fournier, a resident living near the riverbanks, remained skeptical about swimming in the Seine due to concerns about floating debris.
Some applauded as swimmers climbed up the steel ladders. Public swimming is allowed in designated areas of the Seine, including two wooden decks near the Eiffel Tower and the Île Saint-Louis. The authorities expect Parisians to embrace the relief of a refreshing swim during the hot weather.
References: [1] Le Parisien, "Le bain de Seine est ouvert à partir de samedi," 2023. [2] France 24, "Swimming in the Seine: Parisians take the plunge after decades-long ban," 2023. [3] The Guardian, "Paris river Seine opens for swimming for first time since 1923," 2023. [4] AFP, "Paris river Seine meets European water quality standards," 2023.
- The improvement in the Seine's water quality has led to discussions about various lifestyle changes, such as promoting sustainable living and home-and-garden activities along the riverbanks.
- With sports-betting platforms increasingly focusing on eco-friendly practices, some industry analysts predict a surge in sustainable-living investments, and the clean Seine might attract tourists seeking to participate in environmentally conscious sports.
- The French government is considering implementing new laws to support businesses offering water-based eco-sports, such as kayaking or canoeing, as a way to promote a healthy lifestyle and boost the local economy.
- With the prohibition of swimming in the Seine now a thing of the past, residents and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities that complement the natural flow of the river and its scenic surroundings, ultimately redefining the city's identity as a green and active metropolis.
