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Swimming

Sport

Alexandri sisters come back to Greece after years abroad

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EU.XL

How Europe made most, but not all, of its swimming waters 'excellent'

Planning a swim this summer? Chances are you'll be diving into clean water. A new European Environment Agency report shows that 96 percent of monitored bathing sites across the EU meet minimum health standards, with nearly 85 percent rated "excellent". But why are some swimming spots still unsafe?

Earth News

Greece installs floating barriers to protect swimmers from jellyfish

The most critical factor determining the effectiveness of floating barriers is ensuring they are positioned correctly in the water.

EU.XL

How safe are the waters you swim in? Take our poll

Europeans planning a beach trip this summer can rest easy: a recently published report shows that 96 per cent of Europe’s waters are safe for bathing. How is the European Union ensuring this? And are any gaps in its strategy putting Europeans at risk?

Destinations

Ranked: The European countries with the best lakes for safe swimming

The report ranked European countries for their abundance of lakes rated as “excellent”, meaning their water quality was safe for swimming.

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Residences

Europe's best hotel swimming pools: Take a dip and stay cool

Europe boasts some of the world’s most stunning hotel swimming pools. From Italy to Iceland, we take a look at the perfect spots to keep cool during the summer months.

Earth News

Paris invites locals to cool off in canal during 40C heatwave

The city would rather make canal swimming safe rather than spending time pulling people out of the water, says Paris mayor Emmanuel Grégoire.

No Comment

France heat triggers illegal swimming in central Paris

France's exceptional May heat continued on 27 May as temperatures climbed around 33C in Paris. Many residents headed to the Saint-Martin canal to cool off, despite rules prohibiting swimming in the waterway.

Destinations

Portugal launches app for hidden river beaches

The free River Beaches app maps more than 130 inland swimming spots across Portugal, as travellers increasingly swap crowded coastal resorts for quieter freshwater escapes in mountains and forests.

Destinations

The world’s best places for cold-water dips revealed

Travellers are ditching heated pools for icy lakes and wild swims, as a new global ranking reveals the world’s most invigorating cold-water destinations.

Moments

Stuck in the city over summer? Here’s how to have an urban calmcation

The 'calmcation' travel trend puts a focus on spending time in nature, taking a digital detox and participating in wellness practices.

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This mobile swimming pool brings lessons to schoolchildren in rural communities

A swimming-pool lorry has been touring rural communes in France’s Moselle department to provide swimming lessons where access to public pools is limited.

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Swimmers float at Argentine Lake for world record attempt

Hundreds of people gathered at Mar Chiquita Lake to attempt a new Guinness World Record for the largest group floating simultaneously, aiming to surpass the previous mark set at Lake Epecuén in 2017.

Sport

Uzbekistan steps into the spotlight of global sport

More than 360 senior sports officials visited Tashkent as Asia’s Olympic leadership changed hands, new cooperation agreements were signed, and international federations inspected cutting-edge facilities, signalling rising confidence in Uzbekistan’s sporting infrastructure and organisation.

Moments

Why winter might be the best season of all for holidays in Europe

As more of us opt for ‘low season’ escapes, there’s a growing sense that winter can be one of the best times to explore Europe, and enjoy some unique experiences into the bargain.

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British swimmer Ross Edgley is first to swim around Iceland

British swimmer Ross Edgley on Tuesday became the first person to swim around the entire island of Iceland, completing a four-month challenge in freezing seas.

World News

Search ongoing for Russian who vanished during Istanbul swimming race

More than 2,800 swimmers from 81 countries took part in Sunday morning’s competition, the 37th time it has been held, which is considered one of the world’s leading open-water races.