Swimming Allowed at Three Central Paris Locations Until August
Purification Project Achieves Results Ahead of Olympics
Daily Water Quality Tests Conducted
According to Yonhap News, the Seine River in Paris, France, where swimming had been banned for over a century, was reopened to the public on the 5th (local time). Swimming had been officially prohibited in the Seine since 1923 due to water quality deterioration. However, in preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics, a large-scale purification project was carried out and swimming pools were established, allowing citizens to joyfully welcome the historic reopening.
The Seine River in Paris, France, where swimming had been banned for over a century, was reopened to the public on the 5th (local time). Photo by AFP Yonhap News
On the first day of reopening, the Seine was bustling with citizens eager to enjoy swimming. Some residents took commemorative photos of the swimming pools, while others enjoyed the natural swimming experience in their own ways, such as diving or floating on the water and taking in the scenery.
Citizens at the scene expressed satisfaction rather than concern about water quality. One Parisian said in an interview, "I had been waiting for the swimming pools to open," adding, "It will be a truly precious place during the hot summer." Coralie said, "The opening of the swimming pools will serve as an opportunity to keep the Seine clean in the future."
There are three locations where citizens can enjoy swimming, including the Marais Canal (4th arrondissement) in the city center, and each site has different capacities and facilities. The swimming areas will remain open until August 31.
The Seine River in Paris, France, where swimming had been banned for over a century, was reopened to the public on the 5th (local time). Photo by AFP Yonhap News
To ensure hygiene and safety, the City of Paris is cooperating with national agencies and the regional health authority to conduct daily water quality tests. Rescue personnel are also stationed on-site on days when swimming is permitted. Swimming remains prohibited outside of these three designated areas.
This reopening is the result of the water purification project that gained momentum during preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Last year, the Olympic organizing committee held some events, such as triathlon and marathon swimming, in the Seine, but at that time, some training sessions were canceled or athletes reported health issues due to water quality problems. Since then, the City of Paris has actively worked to improve water quality, including upgrading sewage treatment infrastructure, and recently received an "excellent" rating in water quality tests.
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