A Shameful Incident on Jablines-Annet Island: Insufficiently Clothed Swimmers Publicly Humiliated
In Jablines, Seine-et-Marne, France, a serene water sports base just a two-hour bike ride from Paris, an unexpected incident occurred on Sunday, August 10th. The day was hot, and the beach was packed, with towels touching, creating a lively atmosphere. Jablines, frequented primarily by immigrants or descendants of immigrants, boasts a diverse community, with a majority being families of Black, Indian, or Arab descent.
The swimming area at Jablines, marked out by buoys, was the scene of the incident. A woman wearing a burkini, a full-body swimsuit worn by some Muslim women, found herself the centre of attention when a voice echoed across the lake, requesting her to leave the water immediately. The atmosphere shifted, and a moment of disbelief swept through the crowd.
The loudspeaker at Jablines, usually a source of joyful announcements, was now used to make the request. The voice was strong and serious, adding to the surprise and confusion. However, it's important to note that, according to the current legal framework, burkinis are generally legal on public beaches and in most outdoor public spaces in France, following a 2016 court decision affirming this right [1].
The incident at Jablines, despite the crowded conditions and the joyful atmosphere, was an anomaly. Jablines features a lake, two small artificial beaches, football fields, grass, two snack bars, and an inflatable castle, providing a range of activities for visitors. The swimming area, though not very large, was a popular spot for families to cool off on a hot summer day.
It's essential to understand the broader context of this incident. In private leisure parks or indoor pools, burkinis may be banned based on facility rules, potentially raising discrimination concerns. For instance, there have been reports of bans in some facilities like Ile de Loisirs de Buthiers, Seine-et-Marne [2]. However, Paris beaches accept burkinis freely [4].
This incident at Jablines serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding burkini usage in France. While public beaches generally allow burkinis, private facilities may have different rules. For a definitive ruling on Jablines public pools or leisure areas, contacting the local town hall or the managing body of specific facilities is recommended, as municipal rules can vary and may be updated.
| Location/Facility Type | Burkini Allowed? | Notes | |------------------------------|---------------------------|------------------------------------------| | Public beaches (general) | Yes | Supported by 2016 legal precedent[1] | | Municipal indoor pools | Often restricted | Hygiene/safety rules; courts upheld bans[1] | | Ile de Loisirs de Buthiers | Burkini banned | Reported bans in 2025; contested[2] | | Paris beaches (Île-de-France) | Allowed | TikTok reports confirm acceptance[4] | | Center Parcs (private) | Banned | Causes controversies[3] |
This reflects the current legal and practical landscape in and near Jablines, Seine-et-Marne. It's crucial to respect the rights of all individuals and promote inclusivity in all public spaces, ensuring everyone can enjoy the simple pleasure of a day at the beach.
[1] https://www.lemonde.fr/societe/article/2016/08/24/une-femme-portant-un-burkini-a-ete-expulsee-de-la-plage-de-la-teste-d-azur_4963154_3232.html [2] https://www.leparisien.fr/seine-et-marne/ile-de-loisirs-de-buthiers-la-ban-des-burkinis-contestee-26-07-2025-8067771.php [3] https://www.leparisien.fr/seine-et-marne/burkini-interdit-sur-la-plage-de-la-marne-la-vague-des-controverses-26-07-2025-8067769.php [4] https://www.tiktok.com/@leparisien/video/7089904249546726278?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7086813374355632711&is_copy_url=0
- The incident on the public beach of Jablines, France, involved a woman wearing a burkini, a type of fashion-and-beauty attire, being asked to leave the swimming-and-lifestyle area by a voice over the loudspeaker.
- On private leisure facilities like Ile de Loisirs de Buthiers in Seine-et-Marne, the use of burkinis is often restricted, potentially raising concerns about social-media-driven discrimination.
- In Jablines, one can find a range of lifestyle choices with activities such as home-and-garden scenes (grass, football fields, and snack bars), entertainment options (an inflatable castle), and social-media-sharing spots at the beach.
- It's important to note that, while private leisure parks, municipal indoor pools, and certain private facilities may not permit burkinis, they are generally legal on public beaches in France, as outlined in the 2016 court decision and current general-news articles.
