Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo took a bold step on July 17 to assure the public about the safety of the Seine River ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics. As concerns over water quality intensified, Hidalgo swam in the historically polluted river to demonstrate its improved conditions following a €1.4 billion cleanup effort. This initiative was crucial for the upcoming Olympic triathlon and marathon swimming events, both slated to take place in the Seine.
The Seine, notorious for its pollution, had been off-limits for swimming since 1923. However, with the Paris Olympics set to commence on July 26, significant efforts have been made to ensure the river meets safety standards. Recent tests have shown that the water quality now holds acceptable levels of bacteria, though past assessments reported elevated levels of E. coli, raising alarms just weeks before the games.
Fulfilling her pledge, to the people of #Paris, their mayor, #AnneHidalgo, a week [and change] ahead of next Friday’s #OlympicGames’ opener, swam in the #Seine River. Does that swim, in the supposed sludgy #Seine, make her seem, completely insane?! #1A https://t.co/G2udh5MN40… pic.twitter.com/BKU7d98ReB
— Eric Streetman (@EricStreetman) July 17, 2024
Hidalgo’s swim is part of a broader campaign to showcase the city's readiness for the international event. Alongside the mayor, French Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra also took a dip in the river to further allay fears. This public display is aimed at demonstrating confidence in the safety measures and the successful cleanup operations that have been undertaken.
The Paris Olympics will prominently feature the Seine, not just for sporting events but also for the opening ceremony, which includes performances on vessels along the river. This integration of the city's iconic waterway into the games symbolizes Paris' commitment to sustainability and environmental restoration.
Anne Hidalgo, the Mayor of Paris, and Tony Estanguet, the French Seb Coe who’s running the Paris 24 Olympics, are currently swimming in the Seine, legally and safely. Big day for the city. pic.twitter.com/7YjZZx1GGT
— Peter Allen (@peterallenparis) July 17, 2024
Despite these efforts, the task of maintaining water quality remains challenging. Ongoing testing and monitoring are critical as the city prepares to welcome athletes and spectators from around the globe. The commitment to clean the Seine extends beyond the Olympics, with long-term goals to make it a viable swimming spot for residents and tourists alike.
President Emmanuel Macron had also previously committed to swimming in the Seine to demonstrate its safety, although he later downplayed this promise. Nevertheless, Hidalgo’s recent swim highlights the concerted efforts by French authorities to ensure the Seine is safe for Olympic activities .
The 2024 Paris Olympics, running from July 26 to August 11, will mark the return of swimming competitions to the Seine for the first time since the 1900 Paris Olympics. The transformation of the river into a safe venue underscores the significant environmental strides taken by the city in preparation for the global event.
As the world watches, Paris aims to deliver not just a spectacular sporting event, but also a testament to urban environmental rehabilitation and sustainable development.
