Lyon Embraces River Swimming: Three Supervised Pools Planned for the Saône
Lyon, France – The ecological majority in Lyon is moving forward with plans to introduce urban swimming in the Saône River. During an upcoming municipal council meeting, a resolution will be voted upon to entrust SPL Confluence with the development of three supervised river pools, spanning approximately 1500 square meters. These new recreational facilities are projected to open to the public by summer 2027.
This initiative represents a significant step in the city’s strategy to adapt to climate change and provide accessible cooling options for its residents. “In a context marked by global warming and recurrent heatwaves, the City of Lyon reaffirms its commitment to diversify bathing opportunities and offer new cool spaces accessible to Lyonnaises and Lyonnais, complementing existing municipal swimming pools,” stated the municipality in a press release.
Project Details and Scope
The resolution, scheduled for presentation to elected officials on January 22, designates SPL Confluence as the project manager for the development. This marks a crucial phase, officially launching the urban swimming project. The provisional cost for the project was estimated at two million euros last spring, excluding operational expenses.
The plan includes the creation of three distinct basins:
- Two recreational basins: Designed for general public use, offering ample space for leisure and relaxation.
- One sports basin: Equipped with swimming lanes, catering to those seeking a more athletic experience.
Visuals shared by the city suggest a design reminiscent of the Parisian arrangements along the Ourcq Canal. Safety will be a top priority, with dedicated lifeguards supervising the bathing areas and regular water quality checks conducted by the Regional Health Agency (ARS).
Public Engagement and Health Benefits
The City of Lyon also announced plans for an upcoming public consultation. This engagement process aims to gather residents’ expectations and needs, which will inform future studies and ensure the project aligns with community desires.
The reconquest of the city’s rivers for recreational use has been a recurring theme in local political discourse, particularly during the 2020 election campaign. Several candidates highlighted the potential of the Rhône and Saône rivers in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. “The intensification of heatwaves makes access to swimming a major public health, social justice, and urban well-being issue,” emphasized the municipality, six years after those initial discussions.
Across the Lyon metropolitan area, 21 potential bathing sites have been identified, with five deemed feasible without significant constraints. The Confluence darse pool project will serve as a pilot, providing valuable insights and experience. Furthermore, this initiative is expected to reduce incidents of unsupervised and often dangerous wild swimming in the rivers, which have unfortunately led to fatalities in the past.
Addressing Climate Change and Enhancing Urban Life
This project underscores Lyon’s proactive approach to environmental challenges and urban planning. By integrating natural elements like the Saône into the city’s recreational infrastructure, Lyon aims to improve the quality of life for its residents while promoting sustainable practices.
The development of these river pools is not only about providing places to cool down during hot summers but also about fostering a stronger connection between the city and its natural environment. It reflects a broader vision of urban development that prioritizes ecological resilience, public health, and social equity.
The city anticipates that the new river pools will become popular destinations, offering a unique urban bathing experience. The success of this project could pave the way for similar initiatives in other parts of the metropolitan area, further enhancing Lyon’s reputation as a green and livable city.
