Public Swimming at Seine River

Swimming at the Seine River in Paris had been banned for over a hundred years. The last time Parisians were able to swim in the river legally was 1923. But just recently, on July 5, Paris opened its Seine River for the public to swim in, because money was invested to clean the river.

Since 1923, people weren’t allowed to swim in the Seine River because the water was heavily polluted and could cause sicknesses if people swam in it. However, last year, even before the Olympic Games during the summer, a total of £1.2bn was invested to clean the river. Many officials have said that they have carefully cleaned the river and are testing it daily to make sure the public can swim in it safely. Daily water tests and lifeguards ensure that the river is safe to swim in. There are also flags at every site to notify the swimmers about the pollution levels of the water each day. In addition, if it happens to rain, the river would be closed the next day to prevent any harm.

The river opened with three main sites for people to swim at. The three locations include one near the Eiffel Tower, the well-known structure, one near Notre Dame Cathedral, a famous Catholic Church, and one in eastern Paris. These areas have changing rooms, beach furniture, and showers for people to access. Additionally there is enough room for around 300 people to swim.

And so far, many people are enjoying the river, providing positive feedback.

“It’s wonderful. It’s great for the environment, it’s great for the city, it’s great for the people that live here. So very good initiative,” said John Drummond, a visitor from Canada.

“Every river should be clean and swimmable. Great work by Paris!” said Emmet Shear.

“I hope I don’t have to go in the river again,” Katie Grimes, an Olympic swimmer, said, implying she doesn’t think the water is safe.

The Seine River will be open for the public to swim in until the end of August. Until then, people can enjoy the Seine River again.