Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The City of Paris has received the inaugural World Aquatics Foundation Environmental Award for its investment of over EUR €1.6 billion to improve water quality, modernize infrastructure, and revitalize the Seine River ecosystem. This initiative enabled the Seine to host Open Water Swimming at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam noted that, after a century of swimming being forbidden in the Seine, the 2024 Games legacy now allows more than 100,000 people annually to swim in three public pools along the river. Antoine Guillou, Deputy Mayor responsible for the Seine Axis and canals, emphasized that the restoration has not only made the river swimmable but also revived its biodiversity, allowing summer swimming for all.
The award was presented during the European Aquatics Championships from 31 July to 6 August 2026 at the Site de baignade de Bras-Marie, one of the Seine's public swimming facilities. The Environmental Award includes a grant of USD 25,000 to support the "1, 2, 3… Nagez !" program, which provides free swimming lessons to children and adults during school holidays in partnership with six Parisian swimming clubs.
The World Aquatics Foundation addresses aquatic sports challenges, water safety, and environmental sustainability. Its efforts focus on protecting water resources and preserving aquatic ecosystems globally. Dale Neuburger, Foundation Chairman, highlighted the importance of collaboration within the sporting community to preserve the planet's essential seas, rivers, and lakes.