This is one of the expected consequences of the heat wave.
The Cergy-Pontoise leisure island was stormed in the morning this Saturday.
“We are in heat wave plan 2, it is our highest level.
It's exceptional for a month of June, ”says Thibault Humbert, the president of the leisure island.
This is the second time this season that this level has been reached, whereas it was not the case last year.
Level 0 corresponds to normal temperatures for the season, level 1 to heat 5°C to 10°C above the standards.
Heatwave level 2 is the one that corresponds to an even higher temperature.
The heat has a direct influence on the frequentation of the site.
Between 4,000 and 5,000 people were initially expected to swim during the day.
From 10:30 a.m., opening time of the latter, a queue of 400 people formed.
An hour later, the queue to access this area extends over 300 m, to the reception pavilion.
“It was just madness.
We had a crazy world, ”underlines Thibault Humbert.
Faced with the level of attendance on the leisure island, road access was closed from 2 p.m., which angered many motorists.
The bathing area also experienced a record crowd of up to 7,500 people, its maximum.
People who wanted to access it had to turn back from 4:30 p.m.
At that time, there was still an hour of waiting.
“We can estimate the attendance of the leisure island at around 25,000 or 30,000 people”, judge Thibault Humbert.
He points out that this level of attendance has happened in the past but it is exceptional that it happens so early in the season.
Five officers will monitor swimmers from the pool
Shortly before noon, families laden with umbrellas, coolers, bathing gear, wait under a blazing sun.
The wait seems endless.
Tempers flare when someone is suspected of free riding.
The mediators give voice to try to enforce the instructions when several people have already felt unwell.
Cergy, Saturday June 18, 2022. Mediators must speak out to be heard.
LP/TC
Faced with this influx, the island of leisure has deployed major means.
"We have 10 to 12 lifeguards to supervise swimming," says Thibault Humbert.
New this year, they will be supplemented by five agents who will watch the swimmers from the pool, with their feet in the water.
A consequence of the accident last year which had claimed the life of an 8-year-old girl, who had escaped the supervision of her parents.
To keep things under control, the leisure island can count on the presence of the national police mountain bike brigade.
The presence of the river brigade is also announced.
At the end of the morning, already 1h30 of waiting
Once past the difficult ordeal of the queue, families smile again.
Alexandre, Noam and Solène came from Clichy-la-Garenne (Hauts-de-Seine) to swim.
They waited 1h30 “We had organized that this week.
We knew it was going to be hot, ”says Alexandre, 22.
He has been here once before, but most of his companions are discovering this place.
“We are going to sunbathe, swim and eat,” he announces.
They also planned to try one of the many leisure activities.
Pauline comes with her husband and children once a year to the leisure island.
"We need water," she says.
With three children aged 2, 5 and 8, she planned to spend the day here.
Same program for Mariama, 38, who came with four of her five children.
“We come here almost all summer.
Basically, every other Saturday, ”says this resident of Clichy-la-Garenne.
It also took 1h30 for Sophie, Jérôme, their family and their friends (they are twelve) to get home.
"This may be the last time we come," laments this resident of Mureaux (Yvelines).
They learned late, in line, that he was not allowed to come with speakers or glass bottles.
They had to be brought back to the car in the middle of the crush.
"Well, it's true that it's worth it.
When we arrive, we are happy,” she adds.
