LONDON

– In a symbolic gesture ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, Mayor Anne Hidalgo swam in the Seine River on Wednesday morning, showcasing the city’s efforts to improve water quality for the upcoming outdoor swimming events. Despite this demonstration, the river's water quality has faced scrutiny, having repeatedly failed safety tests in the lead-up to the Games, which commence in just nine days. Hidalgo's swim, which took place around 10 a.m. local time, was initially scheduled for last month but was postponed due to health concerns regarding the river's water. Accompanying her were Tony Estanguet, a former Olympic canoeing champion and head of the organizing committee, and Marc Guillaume, the top security official for the greater Paris region. Notably absent was President Emmanuel Macron, who had expressed intentions to join the event. The Seine has a history of pollution, particularly after heavy rainfall, which can lead to sewage overflow. For instance, on June 18, E. coli levels surged to over ten times the safety limit. Recent reports from Paris City Hall indicated that while there were a few days in late June when the water met European swimming standards, it consistently fell short of U.S. safety criteria. As the Olympics approach, organizers have acknowledged the potential need for contingency plans, including the possibility of relocating open-water swimming to the Marne River or delaying events if water quality does not improve. The Seine is scheduled to host key swimming events on July 30, 31, and August 5, with open-water competitions on August 8 and 9.