Paris Mayor Swims in Seine to Prove River's Safety for Olympic Events

Anne Hidalgo's dip symbolizes the culmination of a $1.5 billion effort to clean the river for the 2024 Olympics, despite ongoing concerns about water quality.

Swimming in the Seine has been banned for over a century due to pollution concerns.
The river will host several Olympic and Paralympic swimming events, including marathon swimming and triathlons.
Daily water quality tests have shown fluctuating levels of E. coli, raising safety questions.
A new underground water storage basin and upgraded wastewater treatment plants are part of the cleanup efforts.
Contingency plans are in place to relocate events if the Seine's water quality does not meet safety standards.