The Seine turned into a stage of joy and excitement on Saturday morning as Parisians celebrated a historic event: for the first time in over 100 years, they plunged into the river—legally!

With public swimming now sanctioned in designated zones, including two newly constructed wooden docks near the iconic Eiffel Tower and the picturesque Île Saint-Louis, the atmosphere was electric. As dawn broke, a city official cleared the last remnants of algae, and eager swimmers lined up with towels, ready to dive into the emerald waters.

Cheers and thrilled exclamations rang out as the first brave souls entered the Seine. Safety was paramount; each swimmer sported a bright yellow lifebuoy, while lifeguards in high-visibility vests monitored the scene closely. The gentle current offered a slight pull, reminding everyone that this was indeed an urban river with life.

"It’s so refreshing to swim here in the heart of the city, especially with these soaring temperatures!" shared Amine Hocini, a 25-year-old construction worker. "I was expecting the water to be cooler, but it's surprisingly warm!"

This momentous return to swimming follows a significant €1.4 billion ($1.5 billion) cleanup initiative, part of the efforts tied to last year's Olympics. Authorities now verify that the Seine meets European water quality standards most days. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who took her own dip last year, proudly displayed a clear bottle of river water, a sign of reassurance as environmental experts confirmed low bacteria levels.

Illegal since 1923 due to pollution concerns, swimming is still prohibited outside designated bathing areas for safety. From nearby decks, tourists and fitness enthusiasts paused to watch the jubilant swimmers. Some applauded while others, like local resident François Fournier, remained skeptical. "Honestly, I won't take that risk," he remarked, watching from above. "I've seen things in the Seine that would make anyone think twice!"

A few pieces of debris floated by—an errant leaf, a plastic wrapper—yet the air was far from unpleasant, carrying only a mild earthy scent. Resident Lucile Woodward proclaimed, "It’s so chic to swim in the Seine by Île Saint-Louis! Of course, I had some reservations, but I believe this area has been tested more than almost anywhere else. The town hall needs to ensure everything is perfect!" She added with a chuckle, "And my skin feels just fine!"