Swimming in the Loire has been strictly prohibited since 1969, due to its dangerousness and unstable currents:
On its banks, the existence of "soft sands", hiding under the feet of walkers, and the collapse of "dead ends", also very fragile sand escarpments, require increased attention.
In the water, the numerous works of art, dams and locks present all along the river contribute to creating a changing current, seemingly calm but often tumultuous.
In addition, the ARS Pays de la Loire site points to dangerous water at the health level, with infectious risks. The presence of cyanobacteria is particularly singled out. Certain wild animals can also bring with them water-borne diseases, such as leptospirosis.
Finally, the strandings of green algae on certain coasts of the river, producing harmful toxic gases, do not encourage swimming.