AssetID: 54898668
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Historic Plunge: Parisians and Tourists Celebrate First Swim in the Seine in Over 100 Years
Caption: Historic Plunge: Parisians and Tourists Celebrate First Swim in the Seine in Over 100 Years. For the first time in over 100 years, Parisians and tourists can now swim in the Seine, following a 1.4 billion euro cleanup that made the river safe for bathing. Three new swimming areas along the Paris riverbank opened on Saturday, offering a chance to dip in the water near landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower. Swimming in the Seine was banned in 1923 due to pollution and river navigation risks, but the city's efforts to clean it up have allowed for public access once again. The river gained worldwide attention during the Paris Olympics, with the Seine hosting the opening ceremony, triathlon, and marathon swimming events in 2024. After extensive cleanup, the water quality is regularly tested, and "green flags" signal when it is safe for swimming, while "red flags" warn of potential risks. Despite concerns from some experts and locals, the city is optimistic that the cleanup efforts will make the Seine safe for both swimming and recreational use. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and sports coach Lucile Woodward joined the first open-water swim, emphasizing how "extraordinary" it is for families to enjoy a dip together in the iconic river. While some remain skeptical about the water quality, especially after athletes became ill during the Olympics, the city assures the public that measures are in place to monitor safety. From mid-June to August, swimming will be allowed for free at scheduled times for those aged 10 and above, with lifeguards ensuring safety during these early sessions. The opening of these swim sites marks a significant environmental achievement, as the Seine transforms into a clean, accessible space for the public to enjoy. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,Paris,Seine,swimming,Paris Olympics,river cleanup,water quality,public swimming,Notre Dame,Eiffel Tower,environmental project,historical milestone,public health,Paris river,Olympics swimming,Paris mayor,Lucile Woodward,urban renewal,environmental conservation,public recreation,water safety,river access,Paris tourism,river cleanup project,Olympic legacy,Paris landmarks,summer activities
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