• Parisians can swim in the Seine for the first time since 1923 following a €1.4 billion cleanup.
• Three designated swimming areas have opened, equipped with facilities and lifeguards.
• The initiative is seen as a legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
• Water quality is monitored daily, with swimming permitted based on safety conditions.
• Despite improvements, concerns about potential pollution and safety remain.

The iconic River Seine in Paris has reopened for public swimming, allowing both locals and tourists to take a dip for the first time since 1923. The opening is a result of an extensive €1.4 billion cleanup to make the river suitable for Olympic competitions, marking a significant milestone for Paris authorities and the public alike, according to latimes and lemonde.

Opening three designated swimming sites near key landmarks—the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and in eastern Paris—these locations have facilities including changing rooms and showers. Up to 1,000 swimmers can enjoy the waters daily until August 31. Paris Deputy Mayor Pierre Rabadan expressed pride in overcoming challenges to allow swimming again, stating this day was a “dream come true” for many, according to scmp and aljazeera.

Water quality testing is conducted daily, with safety flags indicating conditions for swimming. Officials guarantee that bacteria levels are well within safety standards, although they acknowledge that rainfall can impact these conditions. Lifeguards are present to ensure safety and monitor swimming skills, as the Seine maintains risks due to currents and boat traffic, according to bbc and cbsnews.

The seasonal reopening marks a prized moment for residents, tying back to promises made since 1988 when then-mayor Jacques Chirac first advocated for a swimmable Seine. The recent heatwave has further amplified the excitement for swimming spaces as a community fixture, aligning with Mayor Anne Hidalgo's vision of enhancing quality of life amid climate challenges, as highlighted by reuters and channelnewsasia.

Despite the enthusiasm, some Parisians express skepticism regarding the water's cleanliness, recalling historical pollution issues. However, for many, this reopening signifies a positive change in their city’s relationship with its waterways—a step towards fostering direct interaction with the environment, reflecting a shared sense of joy and community resilience, according to thelocal and indiatimes.