Each summer, authorities around the world issue the same urgent warnings: avoid dangerous swimming areas, don’t take risks in open water, and be alert to the signs of cold water shock…
And yet, the toll continues to rise. In Monaco, where the Princess Charlene Foundation has long championed drowning prevention and water safety, these concerns are especially relevant during periods of extreme heat. The Foundation will host a dedicated awareness event on Friday, July 25 at the Port Hercule swimming pool, in partnership with Monaco’s Mairie and other local institutions, to mark World Drowning Prevention Day.
This comes at a time when drowning figures are spiking dramatically across the region. Public Health France recently reported 429 drownings in the country between June 1 and July 2, including 109 fatalities, almost double the number from the same period last year. The surge is attributed largely to the June heatwave, which drove many people to cool off in rivers, lakes and unsupervised beaches.
Children and teenagers are particularly at risk. Drownings among those aged 6–12 have risen by 150%, and 15 adolescents lost their lives in French rivers during that same month. The risks are compounded by unfamiliar terrain, alcohol consumption, and hydrocution, shock from sudden immersion in cold water after intense sun exposure.
The Princess Charlene Foundation’s mission has always been clear: to save lives by teaching children to swim and educating the public about safe behaviour in and around water. As temperatures climb and the sea beckons, the Foundation’s work remains more vital than ever.
This summer, the message from Monaco is simple but urgent; be vigilant, respect the water, and never underestimate nature’s power. Smart choices can save lives, and help ensure the sea remains a place of joy, not tragedy.
Photo by Nikko Macaspac
