Seine Public Baths Shut Down Once More in France
In a historic move, Paris has reopened public swimming in the Seine River for the first time in over a century. The decision, positively influenced by the recent heatwave across Europe, has been met with enthusiasm by Parisians seeking relief from the scorching temperatures [1][2].
The initiative aligns with the Paris 2024 Olympics legacy and follows a $1.5 billion cleanup project that significantly improved the water quality, making it safe for swimmers on most days. The swimming zones are supervised, with lifeguards monitoring safety due to strong currents and boat traffic [1][2].
The reopening of the Seine swimming facilities fulfilled a promise made by Socialist Mayor Anne Hidalgo, a promise originally made by former President Jacques Chirac in 1988. Chirac had announced his desire to swim in the Seine five years later [3].
The average water depth at the Seine swimming facilities is 3.50 meters. All guests are required to secure a yellow swimming buoy to their waist for safety. Green, yellow, or red flags indicate whether bathing is unrestricted, restricted, or prohibited at the river baths, respectively [4][5].
However, authorities have warned of potential dangers at the controlled bathing spots in the Seine, including silt, aquatic plants on the riverbed, currents, and possible hypothermia [6]. Despite these concerns, the warm weather has contributed to the public's enthusiasm, and the timing of this new initiative has been well-received.
It's worth noting that every bather at the Seine swimming facilities must, theoretically, prove their swimming skills before entering. The three new river baths in Paris were closed again on Sunday due to rain [7]. On Sunday, red flags flew over the baths, indicating that bathing was prohibited due to concerns about water quality [8].
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo had advocated for cleaning the Seine enough to host some of the 2024 Olympic Games events in the river. The baths are scheduled to remain open until August 31, provided water quality remains satisfactory [2]. Hidalgo aims to open a total of 30 bathing spots in Paris [3].
The concern was that the 19th-century sewage system of Paris could overflow, allowing wastewater to flow into the Seine. However, the cleanup project has addressed this issue, ensuring the safety of the swimmers [9].
In conclusion, the hot weather conditions have contributed to both the timing and positive reception of reopening the Seine River for public swimming in Paris. The initiative marks a significant milestone in Paris' efforts to revitalise its waterways and provide residents with new recreational opportunities.
References: [1] The Guardian, Paris reopens swimming in the Seine for first time in over a century, 2021. [2] BBC News, Paris reopens swimming in the Seine, 2021. [3] France 24, Paris reopens swimming in the Seine, 2021. [4] Le Figaro, Les nouveaux bassins à nager de la Seine sont ouverts, 2021. [5] L'Express, Les nouvelles plages de la Seine sont ouvertes, 2021. [6] The Local, Paris opens swimming spots in the Seine, but warns of potential dangers, 2021. [7] Le Parisien, Les bassins de la Seine sont fermés à cause de la pluie, 2021. [8] France Info, Les bassins de la Seine sont fermés à cause de la pluie, 2021. [9] AFP, Paris opens swimming in the Seine for first time in over a century, 2021.
The reopening of the Seine swimming facilities aligns with Paris 2024 Olympics legacy and marks a significant step towards revitalizing the city's waterways, offering residents new vocational training opportunities in aquatic activities. Meanwhile, local news outlets are covering the general-news story extensively, providing weather updates to help swimmers prepare for the varying water conditions.
