American Takes Dip In Polluted Seine River Ahead Of Paris Olympics
A 75-year-old American swimmer celebrated the 4th of July by taking a dip in France’s Seine River – despite concerns that it’s too polluted to be used in the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Joel Stratte McClure, who last swam in the Seine in 1976 for a magazine cover shoot, says he dove into the murky water to see if the French government’s efforts to clean up the river were successful. “I may regret having swum,” McClure said before entering the water. “But if I come back alive, it will prove that the French have done a good job cleaning up the river.”
Afterward, he declared the water to be “fantastic.” A quality test performed later in the day, which found the water had improved, confirmed McClure’s assessment.
The news comes one week after unsafe levels of E. coli were detected in the river for the third week in a row – and three weeks before the Seine is scheduled to host the Olympics’ marathon swimming and triathlon events.
ABC News said, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo initially planned to swim in the Seine last month to prove its cleanliness — prompting an online campaign by her many critics threatening to poop in the river on the day of her dip.
I think I would avoid that river. Might have to decontaminate the swimmers after the races.
Here's What the Top Star Gazing Spots in the U.S. Would Look Like with Light Pollution
Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah
Home to the second-largest natural bridge in the world, this national park is also one of the darkest parks in the southern United States, making it perfect for stargazing.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend is one of the biggest and most remote national parks, located on the border of western Texas and the Mexican state of Chihuahua. It is also one of the least visited national parks, making it a great option for those wanting to avoid crowds.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico
The Chaco Culture National Historical Park is an important archaeological area where you can find the densest concentration of Chacoan ruins (remnants of an ancient Native American culture). The park also supports Chaco’s Night Sky Initiative, which combines the astronomy practices of the Chacoan people with modern approaches.
Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania
Cherry Springs State Park sits 700 meters above sea level in the largest undeveloped part of Pennsylvania’s Susquehannock State Forest. The park is open all year and has between 60-85 nights each year where stargazing conditions are ideal.
Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida
Famous for its biodiversity (including black bears and panthers), Big Cypress National Preserve is importantly placed in between Miami, Naples, and Fort Myers and creates a buffer that protects wildlife and clear black skies against land development.
