Urban swimming, a very Swiss habit: “A place like this in the middle of Zurich is paradise”

Another day of intense heat. In Zurich, this Thursday, July 3, the thermometer reads nearly 30 degrees. It's noon, and the banks of the Limmat, the river that runs through Switzerland's most populous city, are crowded. On the Oberer Letten beach, 400 meters long and equipped in places with umbrellas, showers, lockers, and even beach volleyball courts, passers-by are basking in the sun, while others are enjoying the cool river air to read a novel or have lunch. Many are jumping into the river. The water is warm and transparent. The more forward-thinking have crammed their belongings into a waterproof bag that they strap to their backs for swimming. Daring teenagers are diving from the Kornhaus Bridge—10 meters high.

In Zurich, unlike Paris, which is preparing to finally open the Seine to swimming enthusiasts this Saturday, July 5 , urban swimming is part of the landscape. A very Swiss habit: in Basel, as in Bern, people also swim in the heart of the city. Ulrich, 52, comes "several times a week," "whenever the opportunity arises."