Swimming in the River Seine has largely been prohibited since 1923 due to pollution.

1.On July 17, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo finally swam in the River Seine.

Ile-de-France region prefect Marc Guillaume also took a dip in the river.

Woman in a wetsuit and goggles smiles while floating in a body of water

5.The Seine has long been notoriously unsafe to swim in.

8.Concerns about the river’s viability for Olympic events remain active.

9.Significant efforts have been made to clean up the river ahead of the Olympics.

A person wearing a swimsuit, swim cap, and goggles is swimming outdoors in open water with another swimmer visible in the background

A woman in a wetsuit and robe smiles at the camera with a group of people in the background, some taking photos

I don't know who they are. Group of four people in athletic wear by a river, surrounded by media personnel taking photos and videos

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Three individuals on a dock: two standing and one kneeling. The woman in a wetsuit and swim cap waves. A man stands behind her, and another man kneels while holding a microphone

A person wearing swim goggles swims in open water, smiling at the camera

A woman outstretched arms above her head pulling her goggles over her eyes wearing a wetsuit with "orca" on the chest, standing in front of a body of water

Person swimming in a body of water wearing an orange life vest

Anne Hidalgo, wearing a wetsuit, smiles while swimming next to a man in open water

A man kneels on a dock near two standing individuals. One waves and the other smiles. They wear water sports attire near a body of water

Participants swim in the Seine River under a bridge during an event, with some climbing out onto a dock, surrounded by safety staff and boats

Anne Hidalgo stands among reporters and microphones, smiling slightly. She wears a sports jacket and appears to be at an outdoor event