Princess Charlene of Monaco, a former Olympic swimmer and founder of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, joined 316 first-grade students on Friday for an educational program aimed at preventing drowning, a leading cause of death among young children worldwide.
The event, held at the Grimaldi Forum, featured interactive workshops designed to teach water safety fundamentals. Participants learned to identify aquatic hazards, explored rescue equipment, practiced basic lifesaving techniques, and attended a reading of “La Magie de l’Eau” (“The Magic of Water”), a children’s book by Mélinda Guery that promotes swimming skills and respect for the marine environment.
“Drowning causes nearly 300,000 deaths worldwide every year,” the foundation stated in materials distributed at the event. “To help combat this issue, the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation organized a new awareness morning this Friday at the Grimaldi Forum, attended by H.S.H. Princess Charlene and 316 first-grade students from Monaco.”
The program was developed in partnership with the National Education, Youth and Sports Department (DENJS), Monaco Town Hall, the Monégasque Red Cross, the Maritime and Airport Police Division, the Monaco Fire Brigade, and the Monaco Sea Academy.
Princess Charlene, who has long championed drowning prevention, accompanied the children throughout the morning’s activities. “We remain deeply committed to the fight against drowning,” the foundation said. “H.S.H. Princess Charlene supported the children throughout this enriching and educational morning.”
Photo credits: Frédéric Nebinger / Palais Princier