Geneva
The members of the A water Wilson association want the authorities to quickly set up facilities suitable for swimming.
“We swim regularly in the lake, but rather on the other side. Today, we came to support the right bank! ”Say Patricia and Jean, laughing, in a swimsuit, waterproof neon orange bag in hand. Saturday afternoon, they took advantage of an easier launch on Quai Wilson to go for a swim. And for good reason, during the weekend, the A water Wilson association installed a swimming lane along the quay. The infrastructure is rudimentary: symbolic red carpet for entry and exit, which is also used not to slip, then rope to facilitate the exit some 70 or 400 meters further. The most experienced can go back and forth. It is for the association to claim the rapid establishment of temporary facilities facilitating swimming from the quay.
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A real need
At the start of this weekend, few people have taken the plunge, the north wind is digging the lake and does not necessarily invite you to dive. “But many people stopped at the stand to learn and support the process,” says Julien Chabbey, communication manager of the association. In fact, in the small tent and the surrounding area, the volunteers regularly explain to passers-by the purpose of the operation and their claims. Andréa came as a friend and agrees: “It’s a great initiative, it meets a real need.”
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Adjustments, not before 5 years
Because unlike the left bank, which benefits from the Eaux-Vives beach, new installations on the quay of Cologny and Genève-plage, there are few possibilities to get into the water safely on the other side harbor. There is only the Bains des Pâquis, taken by storm during the beautiful days. The authorities, both cantonal and communal, are well aware of this. Ultimately, a water access project must take place on the right bank. “The developments planned at the Wilson wharf will not see the light of day for five years, it is too long,” said Thomas Putallaz, co-chair. We want temporary infrastructure that can be quickly made available. ”
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Too late for this summer
Ahead of this weekend’s action, A l’eau Wilson submitted a petition with 600 signatures to the City Council of Geneva. “The text will be studied in August,” says Suzanne Amsler, co-president of the association. Too late for this summer. “Elected officials are in favor of our idea, but then it takes time. We will go to the end of the process. I hope this will succeed next season, ”she concludes. The installation of the association remains in place until Sunday evening, under the supervision of the rescue.
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