Historic Revival: Swimming Returns to the Seine After a Century-Long Ban**

The River Seine has reopened for public swimming in designated areas, marking the end of a century-long ban due to pollution. This revival follows extensive cleaning efforts in preparation for the upcoming Olympics.**

The River Seine in Paris is welcoming swimmers back for the first time in a century, having been closed to the public since 1923 due to health hazards linked to pollution. The seasonal reopening of the river, celebrated as a crucial legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympics, saw its first eager swimmers diving into the waters early Saturday morning.

Three designated swimming areas have been established: one near the iconic Eiffel Tower, another close to Notre Dame Cathedral, and a third in the eastern part of Paris. Each site is equipped with changing rooms, showers, and beach-style amenities, designed to accommodate up to 300 visitors who wish to sunbathe or take a dip.

Available free of charge until the end of August, the swimming areas are open for specific time slots to participants aged 10 and over, depending on the particular zone. Lifeguards will be present to ensure safety as swimmers enjoy the rejuvenated waters.

The movement to lift the swimming prohibition has roots that reach back to 1988, when former Paris mayor and future president Jacques Chirac first advocated for change. Over the last two decades, significant improvements in water quality have led to a considerable decrease in harmful bacteria entering the Seine, making it safe for public use.

Frustration over the ban persisted for years, primarily sparked by the river's pollution levels. With over €1.4 billion invested in environmental efforts in the lead-up to the Olympics, concerns arose when the Seine initially failed water quality tests. Organizers attributed the setbacks to increased pollution from rainfall, which impacted athletes' training for events like the triathlon and marathon swimming.

Last summer, to showcase the river's safety, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and other Olympic officials took the plunge into the waters, reaffirming their commitment to cleanliness and public enjoyment of the Seine. Even BBC correspondent Hugh Schofield participated, making a splash in celebration of the revived swimming tradition in Paris.