Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo announced she will swim in the Seine next week to prove its safety for the Olympics despite ongoing pollution concerns.
In short:
- Anne Hidalgo plans to swim in the Seine to showcase its cleanliness for upcoming Olympic events.
- Despite a $1.5 billion cleanup effort, pollution concerns persist, though recent tests show acceptable bacteria levels.
- Heavy rainfall has delayed the cleaning process, but officials remain confident about the river's suitability.
Why this matters:
Pollution in the Seine raises health and safety concerns for Olympic athletes scheduled to compete in swimming events. For years, the Seine has been notorious for its pollution, with high levels of bacteria and waste making it unsafe for recreational use. Parisian authorities have invested heavily in cleaning up the river, aiming to not only meet Olympic standards but also to create a lasting legacy of a cleaner, healthier Seine for locals and visitors alike.
