Seine River Reopens for Swimming After Century-Long Ban Ahead of 2024 Olympics
Parisians can now swim in the Seine at designated areas, including near the Eiffel Tower, after a major cleanup project and a century-long ban.
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Overview
- The Seine River in Paris has reopened for public swimming after a 1.4 billion euro cleanup project, marking a historic return for swimmers.
- Swimming was banned in the Seine since 1923 due to pollution; now, designated areas allow safe swimming, including spots near the Eiffel Tower.
- Parisians celebrated the reopening by taking a plunge into the Seine, which now meets European water quality standards on most days.
- Three swimming sites along the Seine will be available for free access until the end of August, with age restrictions at some locations.
- The reopening is seen as a significant legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympics, enhancing the city's recreational offerings for locals and tourists alike.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the reopening of the Seine for public swimming as a significant cultural and historical milestone, emphasizing joy and community engagement. They highlight the extensive cleanup efforts linked to the Olympics, suggesting a positive shift in environmental standards, while subtly acknowledging past pollution issues and safety concerns.
"Cries of “It is warm!” rang out across the Seine on Saturday morning as Parisians jumped into the river — legally — for the first time in more than 100 years."
ABC News"Woos and cries of joy echoed across the riverbanks as the first swimmers entered the emerald-green water."
Associated Press"The River Seine in Paris has reopened publicly to swimmers for the first time since 1923 after a century-long ban."
BBC News"For the first time in over a century, Parisians and tourists will be able to take a refreshing dip in the River Seine."
Chicago Tribune"For the first time in over a century, Parisians and tourists are getting ready to take a refreshing dip in the Seine."
ABC News"For the first time in over a century, Parisians and tourists will be able to take a refreshing dip in the River Seine."
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FAQ
Swimming was banned in the Seine River since 1923 mainly due to pollution and risks posed by river navigation.
A 1.4 billion euro cleanup project included new disinfection units, a large storage basin to prevent bacteria-laden wastewater spillage during rain, forcing houseboats to connect to municipal sewer systems, and upgrading upstream homes to treatment plants instead of releasing wastewater directly into the river.
Water quality is tested daily to ensure it meets European regulations, with flags indicating swimming conditions: green for good quality and red for poor quality or strong currents.
There are three designated swimming sites along the Seine, including near the Eiffel Tower, available for free access until the end of August. Some locations have age restrictions and swimming is supervised during summer months.
The reopening is considered a major legacy project of the Paris 2024 Olympics, highlighting the city's commitment to improving recreational offerings and enhancing the urban environment for locals and tourists.
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