Parisians take historic plunge into Seine after 100 yrs

Cries of “It is warm!” rang out across the Seine Saturday morning as Parisians jumped into the river—legally—for the first time in more than 100 years.

- ASSOCIATED PRESS

Public swimming was allowed in designated areas of the Seine, including two newly built wooden decks near the Eiffel Tower and the Ile Saint-Louis in central Paris. Before sunrise, a municipal officer skimmed away the last few patches of algae with a fishnet. Soon after, a line of eager Parisians formed, towels in hand, waiting for their chance to jump in.

Woos and cries of joy echoed across the riverbanks as the first swimmers entered the emerald-green water.

Every swimmer wore a bright yellow lifebuoy tied around their waist, part of strict safety measures enforced by a dozen lifeguards in high-visibility vests. The current was weak, just enough to tug gently at their limbs—a reminder that this is still a living, urban river.