PARIS — For the first time in over a century, people are allowed to swim in the Seine River in Paris, following the lifting of a ban that had been in place since 1923 due to high pollution levels that posed health risks.
On Saturday, July 5, dozens of people took to the waters of the Seine to swim, marking a historic moment after the French government decided to revoke the long-standing prohibition. The ban had been enforced to protect public health, as the river was heavily polluted and unsafe for swimming.
Officials have designated three specific swimming zones: near the Eiffel Tower, close to Notre-Dame Cathedral, and in the eastern part of Paris. These areas are equipped with changing rooms and shower facilities for visitors.
From now through the end of August, the three swimming spots will be open to the public free of charge during specified hours. Age restrictions apply, with minimum ages of 10 or 14 depending on the location. Lifeguards and security personnel will be on duty to ensure safety.
For 100 years, swimming in the Seine was prohibited due to dangerous pollution levels that could cause illness. The French government had promised to lift the ban as early as 1988, after then-Paris Mayor Jacques Chirac announced plans to restore the river’s condition. Over the following two decades, significant improvements were made, drastically reducing bacteria and sewage contamination.
France’s hosting of the 2024 Summer Olympics accelerated these efforts. The government invested over 1.4 billion euros to clean the Seine in preparation for Olympic events such as triathlon, marathon swimming, and paratriathlon. However, water quality initially failed to meet Olympic standards, raising doubts about whether the river would be safe for competition.
Organizers blamed recent heavy rains for causing spikes in pollution, but city officials, including Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, showed confidence in the water’s safety by swimming in the Seine themselves as a public demonstration.
