Paris Seine swimming draws 35,000 despite rainy July
Wet weather forced temporary closures for 13 days in July, including one site near the Eiffel Tower. 'We knew that the weather would be a variable factor,' said city official Pierre Rabadan. 'But we are extremely satisfied.'
The 19th-century sewage system often overflows during heavy rain, sending wastewater into the Seine. However, a new retention basin has successfully prevented overflow this summer. Despite initial delays, enthusiasm remains high, with a record 5,700 swimmers on July 13.
The initiative stems from Paris' Olympic legacy, where triathletes and open-water swimmers competed in the cleaned-up river. Authorities invested €1.4 billion ($1.6 billion) to improve water quality ahead of the Games. The free swimming spots will remain open until August 31. - AFP
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