Paris Reopens Three River Swimming Spots In The Seine

PARIS, July 5 (NNN-dpa) -- In Paris, swimming has resumed at three open-air pools in the Seine as of this weekend, just in time for the start of another heatwave, German Press Agency (dpa) reported. 

The three pools will remain open until 30 August, the City of Paris said on Saturday. 

The sites first opened last summer, marking the return of public bathing in the Seine for the first time in more than a century. Around 100,000 people took a dip in the river during the inaugural season.

One swimming area is located near the Eiffel Tower, another close to Notre-Dame Cathedral, and a third near the National Library.

Swimming in the Seine was officially banned in 1923. The long-cherished wish to be able to swim in the river again only became a reality following investment of around €1.4 billion (US$1.6 billion), which went towards modernising sewage treatment plants and the drainage system.

The quality of the river water was closely monitored to ensure the outdoor pools could operate. No serious illnesses were reported by bathers, according to local health authorities.

The fact that the Seine has become significantly cleaner is also evident from the fact that the number of fish species found there has risen from three to over 30 again. Three species of mussels threatened with extinction have also been discovered in the river.

--NNN-dpa