For the first time in over a century, Parisians and tourists alike can take a refreshing dip in the River Seine. This long-polluted waterway is now officially open as a summertime swim spot, following a €1.4 billion ($1.5 billion) cleanup project that rendered it suitable for Olympic competitions last year. Three new swimming sites will open on Saturday, strategically located near iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and in eastern Paris.
Swimming in the Seine has been prohibited since 1923 due to pollution and the risks posed by river navigation. Although swimming outside designated areas remains banned for safety reasons, the reopening marks a significant milestone for the city and its residents. The Seine was a focal point during the Paris Olympics in 2024, serving as the venue for the ambitious opening ceremony and various aquatic competitions. However, challenges such as increased bacteria levels due to rainfall delayed some events.
The Journey to Clean Waters
The decision to open the Seine for public swimming follows consistent water quality results aligning with European regulations. “It’s a symbolic moment when we get our river back,” said sports coach and influencer Lucile Woodward, who plans to participate in the first amateur open water competition in the Seine on Sunday. Woodward, who previously enjoyed a dip with Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo before the Olympic Games, expressed confidence in the river’s safety.
Olympic athletes competing in the river was a spectacular reward for the cleanup effort. In preparation for the Games, authorities introduced new disinfection units and a massive storage basin to prevent bacteria-laden wastewater from entering the Seine during rainfall. Houseboats were mandated to connect to municipal sewer systems, and upstream homes redirected wastewater to treatment plants.
Ensuring Safety and Cleanliness
Paris Deputy Mayor Pierre Rabadan emphasized that water quality is tested daily to ensure safety. Like French beaches, colored flags will indicate whether swimming is permitted. “Green means the water quality is good. Red means that it’s not good or that there’s too much current,” he explained. Since the beginning of June, tests have generally met European standards, with only minor exceptions due to rain and boat-related pollution.
“The legacy of these efforts is already evident, with the Seine now open for public swimming – a positive example of how sports can drive long-term community benefits,” stated World Aquatics.
Skepticism and Optimism
Despite the positive developments, skepticism remains. Dan Angelescu, founder and CEO of Fluidion, a water monitoring tech company, has independently tested the Seine’s bacterial levels for years. He cautioned that the official testing methodology might underestimate bacteria levels. “The water quality in the Seine is highly variable,” Angelescu noted. “There are only a few days in a swimming season where I would say water quality is acceptable for swimming.”
Some Parisians share this skepticism, often deterred by the river’s murky appearance and floating debris. Enys Mahdjoub, a real estate agent, expressed his reluctance, citing concerns about cleanliness rather than safety. “It’s more the worry of getting dirty than anything else at the moment,” he said.
A Dream Realized
Until the end of August, the swimming sites will be open for free at scheduled times, with age restrictions varying by location. Lifeguards will ensure the safety of swimmers. “It’s an opportunity, a dream come true,” said Clea Montanari, a project manager in Paris. “It’d be a dream if the Seine becomes drinkable, that would be the ultimate goal, right? But already swimming in it is really good.”
The reopening of the Seine for public swimming not only fulfills a long-held dream for many Parisians but also serves as a testament to the city’s commitment to environmental restoration. As the summer unfolds, the Seine’s transformation from a polluted waterway to a vibrant community asset will continue to capture the imagination of residents and visitors alike.
