Parisians and visitors looking to cool off this summer can relax – weather permitting – at three bathing areas, including one just steps from the Eiffel Tower.
Several dozen people arrived ahead of the opening at 8 a.m. local time today in the Bras Marie area of the historic city center, diving into the water for the long-awaited moment under the watchful eye of lifeguards in fluorescent yellow T-shirts and with whistles.
The seasonal opening of the Seine bathing area is considered a key legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, when swimmers and triathletes competed in its waters that were specially cleaned for the event.
The bathing areas are equipped with changing rooms, showers and beach-style furniture, offering space for 150 to 300 people to relax, lay out their towels and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Paris officials say they have taken several measures to ensure swimmers can safely enjoy the long-awaited reopening, including daily water pollution testing and a swim test for swimmers.
“It’s a child’s dream that people can swim in the Seine,” said Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who visited the Bras Marie beach on Saturday morning.
Officials, however, reminded swimmers of potential dangers, including strong currents, boat traffic and an average depth of 3.5 meters.
“The Seine remains a dangerous environment,” local official Elise Lavielle said this week, AFP reported.
Photo: AFP
