The Soul of Paris: A Global Icon Returns to Its People
For over a hundred years, Parisians longed to dive into their river once more – and in the summer of 2025, that dream finally became reality. Brand-new designated swimming zones turn the Seine’s banks into a vibrant stage, where locals and guests of the French capital alike share the joy of swimming. Here, RESTUBE took part as well, making everyone feel safe, free, and inviting to dive in without worry.
What Swimming in the Seine Means Today
The Seine isn’t just a river – it’s Paris’ lifeblood, muse to countless artists, and a true national treasure. It is, without any doubt, one of the most famous rivers in the world. Now open for swimming again, it marks not just a historic comeback, but also a triumph of ecology and urban living.
The phrase “swimming in the Seine” now means more than simply taking a dip in the river. It's a symbol of a city reclaiming its spirit after more than a century of waiting. With cutting-edge purification technology, the water now meets strict EU bathing standards, continuously monitored digitally in real time. Three official swim zones with gentle access and clear signage make it simple for everyone to join in. Now, it became a whole new way for everyone to experience Paris, right at its heart.
Paris Welcomes Back Its Swimming Spots
Once, a dip in the Seine was a part of daily life – until pollution and river traffic drove swimmers away. Since 2020, Paris has poured over €1.5 billion into the newest filtration systems, underground stormwater basins, and smart sluice technology. The 2024 Olympics gave the project political momentum, as a result, the much needed push for fast-tracked approvals.
Now, the Seine boasts fresh new swimming zones at Port de Grenelle, Bassin de l’Arsenal, and downstream at Bercy. With tiered seating, lifeguard towers, and automatic current sensors, each area combines leisure with measurable safety, thus setting new standards for urban swimming across Europe.
Clean Water & Smart Infrastructure – A Safer Seine
Every day, city labs check the water for E. coli, enterococci, and nutrient levels, with results openly shared. Advanced UV and ozone treatments keep germs at bay without leaving chemical traces. Modern collectors capture wastewater before it can spill into the river during storms. Floating sensor buoys track temperature, clarity, and currents in real time, feeding directly into a public app. So you'll know the water condition before even slipping into your swimsuit. Barrier-free docks make access easy for kids and seniors alike. All together, these innovations create the foundation for safe, worry-free swimming in the Seine.
Why You Can Swim in the Seine Again
For decades, pollution was making the Seine off-limits for swimmers – the health risks were far too high. The breakthrough came when Paris put Olympic open-water swimming on the agenda. Political will combined with a rising green movement launched an ambitious, long-term cleanup plan. Backed by city, regional, and EU funding, a team of biologists, engineers, and rescue experts joined forces with a single vision: a healthy, living river open to both Parisians and visitors from around the world.
How the 2024 Olympics Made It Happen
The Olympic deadline left no room for delay and pushed investments forward at full speed. The IOC’s strict environmental rules required round-the-clock water testing even during construction. Meanwhile, the French swim team trained in pilot zones, sending a strong signal of confidence to the public. Media stories about the upcoming marathon swim turned the Seine into global news. After the Games, the new infrastructure stayed in place and now forms the backbone of today’s public swim areas. The “legacy first” approach is paying off: tourism along the banks is booming, and the Olympics became the spark for a long-lasting urban transformation.
Safe Swimming in the Seine – How It Works
The Seine’s currents and boat traffic may never disappear entirely – but they can be managed. A clear flag-and-light system instantly tells you if the river´s waters are open, restricted, or closed. Professional lifeguards are on duty in every zone, ensuring help is always nearby. The RESTUBE SWIM BUOY complements this concept, offering an extra layer of confidence. As highlighted by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, these buoys “give a nice feeling”, turning open-water swimming into pure enjoyment. Lightweight and easy to inflate by mouth, it doubles as flotation support, a visibility marker, and a signal device. Together, the city’s safety measures and smart equipment make for carefree swimming in the Seine.
RESTUBE as a Part of Paris’ Safety Plan
The City of Paris has made RESTUBE an official part of its safety strategy, strongly recommending its use in areas where currents are stronger. Swimmers can rent devices directly on site or pick up their own buoy from local sports shops. Small enough to never get in the way, yet striking in signal color, RESTUBE ensures you’ll be seen – even from afar.
RESTUBE founder Christopher Fuhrhop shared with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, how his own brush with danger inspired the creation of a product that is now trusted by countless leisure athletes and professionals alike:
“I was kitesurfing on the Atlantic when the wind got so strong I couldn’t relaunch my kite. Rip currents dragged me out – and that’s the most dangerous thing any athlete can face on the coast. You can’t beat a current like that,” Christopher recalls. “In a moment like that, anything buoyant could save you. You just need something to hold on to. Even floaties would have helped – but no one wears those while kitesurfing. And a life jacket isn’t practical either. I wanted to create something you could always carry with you. That’s how RESTUBE was born. The buoys are made from robust lifejacket material and built to last.”
Smart Safety Tips for Your First Swim in the Seine
That first dip in the Seine is something to remember. Follow a few smart tips, and you’ll feel safe, stay relaxed, and savor every moment in the water.
- Check before you dive: Look at the water-flag system for the latest updates.
- Ease in: Take time to adjust to the current and temperature – and always swim along the shoreline.
- Respect the space: Give boats and paddlers plenty of room.
- Keep a buoy close: Strap your RESTUBE SWIM BUOY securely at your waist so it’s ready when you need it.
- Know your way out: Spot the exit ladders before you get in the water.
- Stay hydrated: Open-water swimming takes stamina – drink enough to stay strong.
Could the Seine Become a Role Model for German Rivers?
Paris is leading the way – and cities like Essen and Berlin are already exploring their own river-swimming zones. Citizen movements are pushing for cleaner, more accessible banks along the Ruhr and Spree. The technical groundwork is often in place, but what’s crucial is safety. That’s why products like RESTUBE are seen as a key element for personal protection. The trend of urban river swimming is reshaping city life and boosting quality of living.
The Future of River Swimming
Safety doesn’t hold people back – it opens the door. The more often people swim in rivers, the more they connect with water ecology. Safety buoys help lower mental barriers and fosters mindful, responsible behavior. Over time, such an approach builds stronger support for urban renaturation projects. With concepts designed for sustainable water tours, RESTUBE is shifting the way we think about safety on the water. The result? An ecosystem where infrastructure, products, and education work together and river swimming is becoming a signature of modern cities.
Swimming in the Seine – Where Freedom Meets Responsibility
Taking a dip in the Seine isn’t just a trend – it’s the return of urban vitality. Clean waters, smart safety systems, and personal safety gear make the dream real. Paris shows how city planning, ecology, and water sports can blend seamlessly. Now it’s your turn: embrace this new freedom, act responsibly, and dive in. Grab your RESTUBE buoy and step into the river – it’s waiting for you!
For more on RESTUBE’s role in this transformation, check out the Tagesschau coverage.
