Rhine River Open for Swimming for Germans - Swimmers Granted Access to River Seine in Paris once more
In a groundbreaking move, Paris is set to reintroduce swimming in the Seine River, a practice that has been absent for over a century. This transformation is part of a major initiative to revitalize the river and make it accessible to the public.
The first step towards this change was the closure of streets along the Seine to traffic, as announced by Mayor Anne Hidalgo. This decision aims to create a more inviting environment for Parisians and visitors alike.
Starting this Saturday, three public baths will be open for swimming at strategic locations: near the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the National Library. These baths, part of the urban beach project "Paris Plages," offer a range of amenities, including changing rooms, showers, supervision by lifeguards, and sunbathing areas.
For families and children, the bath near the Eiffel Tower has been specifically designed to provide a safe and enjoyable swimming experience. The urban beaches will also feature beach bars, sun loungers, boules courts, and sports activities, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere.
The reopening of these baths is a significant response to the effects of climate change and heatwaves, providing a much-needed place for people to cool off during the summer. Water quality is continuously monitored to ensure it meets European regulations, with a green/red system indicating whether conditions are suitable for swimming.
The initiative to clean up and revitalize the Seine has been in progress for several years, with investments of over a billion euros made to improve water quality. This includes modernizing wastewater treatment plants and connecting buildings to the sewer system. The efforts were particularly evident during the Paris Olympics last summer, where the river hosted various aquatic events.
The opening ceremony will be attended by Mayor Anne Hidalgo, Sports Minister Marie Barsacq, and other local dignitaries, marking a symbolic moment for Parisians and tourists alike. This development is not just about improving the quality of life in the city, but also about creating new opportunities for recreation and enjoyment along the Seine.
[1] ParisCityHall.fr, "Paris Plages: Les plages flottantes sur la Seine," 2023. [2] Seine-Environnement.fr, "Qualité de l'eau dans la Seine," 2023. [3] ParisInfo.com, "Les plages de Paris sur la Seine," 2023.
The community policy now includes the reintroduction of swimming in the Seine River, aligning with the city's initiative to foster outdoor-living and improve home-and-garden lifestyles. Meanwhile, the city's fisheries policy will play a crucial role in maintaining a clean and safe environment for both aquatic life and human recreation.
