Once-polluted Paris river reopens for public swimming after Olympics rush to clean it up

This is the first time the river has been opened to swimmers since 1923, Reuters reported.

Now, the public can swim at three sites along the banks of the river. 

These sites are available for more than 1,000 swimmers to visit daily until August 31.

The first of the swimmers shared their thoughts with Reuters.

"Really nice, I'm impressed, surprised," said a 24-year-old Brazilian who lives in Paris. "I never imagined being in the water close to the Eiffel Tower."

A 51-year-old woman said, "The water is clean, it's warm, it's clear. There is a bit of algae, but that's normal."

During the swimming season, daily water tests will reportedly be conducted, with green and red flags indicating which areas are open or closed.

Reuters contributed reporting to this article.