Paris Opens Canal for Swimming Amidst Heatwave

Paris is taking proactive measures to help residents cope with an anticipated heatwave, with temperatures set to soar to 40°C on June 21st and 22nd. Starting Wednesday, June 17th, a 100-meter stretch of the Canal Saint-Martin will be open for supervised swimming between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

This early opening, previously scheduled for July, allows swimming throughout any heatwave, a shift from previous efforts to ban public swimming. City officials emphasized a desire to provide safe, permitted access rather than expend energy preventing unauthorized swimming.

Strict safety protocols, including lifeguard supervision and prohibitions on jumping from footbridges, will be in place. The continued availability of swimming will depend on water quality, which is regularly monitored. Plans are also underway to open designated swimming areas along the Seine later in the summer.

The decision reflects an adaptation to increasing heatwave frequency, linked to climate change. Météo-France reports a significant rise in heatwaves since 2000, with studies indicating global temperatures are likely to remain at record levels.