Bathers in Geneva have been given a new way to bask right next to the Jet d’Eau, with the opening of a brand-new swimming pool. The seasonal project provides locals and tourists with the nearest safe swimming spot to the iconic landmark.
On Monday, the local council in Geneva opened a brand new swimming facility located just a stone’s throw away from the Jet d’Eau. Thanks to the new pools, bathers will be able to safely swim near the area around the fountain, which has been off-limits to swimmers and visitors due to the strength of the jet, which expels 500 litres of water a second - in August 2023, a man was rushed to hospital after swimming to and putting his face in the fountain.
The new facility features two pools, one bottomless and one 1,4 metres deep, a refreshment bar, showers and changing rooms, and wooden flooring ideal for sunbathing in the summer weather. “It’s a bit like swimming in a postcard,” noted Marie Barbey-Chappuis, former Mayor of Geneva and the administrative councillor in charge of the project.
Speaking to Blick, Geneva state councillor Carole-Anne Kast said that the new swimming facility will be an attractive and safe way to enjoy swimming in the centre of the city. The project itself cost 2,16 million francs to build, alongside operating costs of between 300.000 and 400.000 francs a year.
However, you will have to be quick to enjoy the new Jet d’Eau swimming pool, as it is only expected to stay open between July 15 and September 30, 2024, seven days a week from 7am to 9pm. Entry costs two francs for over 16s, one franc for those 6 to 16 years old and is free for younger children.
Kast said that the new swimming pool will serve as a pilot project. Alongside the complete transformation of Quai Wilson on the opposite side of the lake, it is hoped that the pool will be a guide as to how the port area of Geneva can be regenerated and redeveloped in the future.