A TikTok influencer has sparked outrage and concern after drinking directly from the River Seine in Paris, claiming the water was “fresh.” The original video, now deleted, showed the influencer taking a substantial sip from the murky river, despite its long-standing reputation for pollution.
In the video, the influencer explained that it was her last day in Paris and wanted to make the most of it by swimming in the Seine. Despite initial reservations, she decided to go for a dip, dressed in a pink swimsuit and keeping her shoes on for the aesthetic. The shocking moment came when she emerged from the river and drank a handful of the water, describing it as “fresh.”
However, the Seine is far from clean. The river has been off-limits to swimmers for over 100 years due to unsafe pollution levels. Nicole Iovine, chief hospital epidemiologist in Paris, highlighted that Paris’s combined sewage and stormwater pipes often overflow during heavy rain, leading to runoff that contaminates the river. This means the Seine can contain significant amounts of sewage, making it highly unsafe for drinking.
The incident comes at a critical time as the city prepares for the Paris Olympics 2024. Efforts are being made to improve the Seine River’s cleanliness, aiming for it to be swimmable for events like the Seine River Olympics. Authorities have been working on a significant Seine River cleanup project to ensure the river meets safety standards for the upcoming games. This project underscores the importance of maintaining the river’s cleanliness not just for the Olympics, but for the health and safety of locals and tourists alike.
Following the video’s deletion, another TikTok user posted a duet, serving as a public service announcement warning others against drinking the water. The influencer’s face and username were blurred in the reposted video, possibly to protect her identity.
The influencer’s actions drew widespread condemnation and disbelief from viewers. One user commented, “jaw DROPPED when she drank it,” while another, identifying as French, wrote, “SHE DRANK IIIITTTTTTT ???????? THE FACE I JUST MADE AS A FRENCH PERSON.” Many expressed hope for her well-being but emphasized the importance of not drinking from random bodies of water.
The incident underscores the dangers of uninformed and reckless behavior for the sake of social media content. The River Seine, despite its iconic status, remains polluted and unsafe for swimming or drinking. Authorities and health experts continually advise against such actions due to the significant health risks posed by contaminated water.
This episode serves as a stark reminder of the need for common sense and caution, especially when it comes to potentially hazardous activities. While the influencer may have sought to create memorable content, the decision to drink from the Seine was perilous and ill-advised. The ongoing efforts for the Seine River cleanup are crucial in ensuring a safer environment for all, particularly with the Paris Olympics 2024 on the horizon.
