Swimmers forced out of Rhône due to pollution

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The Rhône was unusually quiet yesterday evening after all swimmers were ordered out of the water around 5:25 p.m. due to an oil spill.

As a safety measure, swimming and boating is temporarily banned from the Seujet bridge.

The Geneva Fire and Rescue Service says the leak came from a ruptured hydraulic line on underwater machinery at a construction site near the BFM. 

The substance spilled is of organic origin. Authorities are urging anyone who came in contact with the water to wash with soapy water, rinse eyes thoroughly, and consult a doctor if any was swallowed.

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