SEINE OPEN TO PUBLIC FIRST TIME IN CENTURY
For the first time in more than 100 years, the River Seine in Paris is open to swimmers.
The river went through a thorough cleaning process for the Paris 2024 Olympics when open water swim events were held in the famous river.
The cleaning process remained intact, and the city of Paris kept its promise that locals would be able to swim once again in their beloved river.
On Saturday morning at 08:00 local time, the river was officially opened for the public, with crowds gathering to either dive in or watch from the banks.
Three designated areas have been identified for public swimming in the Seine. The first area is located in eastern Paris, the second near the Eiffel Tower, and the third is close to the Notre Dame Cathedral.
These designated areas have showers, changing rooms, beach-style furniture and space for 300 people to lay out their towels. Lifeguards will also be on duty.
The areas will be free of charge and open at scheduled times until the end of August. Depending on the location, the minimum age for anyone wanting to swim in the river is 10 or 14 years.
The BBC reports that for 100 years, swimming was banned in the river because of the levels of water pollution that could make people ill. Ahead of last summer’s Olympics, more than $1.6 billion was invested in cleaning up the Seine.
Image credit: France24