Seine Reopens To Paris Swimmers After Century-long Ban

Source: International Business Times

The promise to lift the swimming ban dates back to 1988 AFP The River Seine reopened to swimmers on Saturday morning in Paris, allowing people to take a dip in the French capital's iconic waterway for the first time since 1923. Parisians and visitors looking to cool off this summer can dive in -- weather permitting -- at three bathing sites, including one a stone's throw from the Eiffel Tower. A few dozen people arrived ahead of the 8:00 am (0600 GMT) opening on Saturday at the Bras Marie zone in the city's historic centre, diving into the water for the long-awaited moment under the watchful eyes of lifeguards wearing fluorescent yellow T-shirts and carrying whistles.