Every year, hundreds of thousands of people around the world die from drowning—many of them children. July 25th was World Drowning Prevention Day and Monaco took a stand…
Led by the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, a powerful awareness campaign unfolded at Stade Nautique Rainier III, bringing together safety experts, first responders, and hundreds of residents, families, and schoolchildren.
The event featured hands-on workshops teaching CPR, rescue techniques, and the crucial skill of giving an emergency alert. Children as young as six practiced life-saving actions alongside firefighters and Red Cross staff. “There is no age to learn how to save lives,” a trainer explained, highlighting that Monaco students receive structured emergency training and a first aid certificate before secondary school.
In a show of solidarity, the Princely palace was lit up in blue to commemorate the day.
In collaboration with Monaco’s Town Hall and government, the Foundation has organised this initiative for five consecutive years. And it couldn’t come at a more critical time; summer brings crowds to the coast and with it, a higher risk of drowning. According to the World Health Organization, over 320,000 people die each year from drowning, with youth aged 1 to 24 most affected.
More than 750 swim lessons have been delivered in Monaco in the past six months alone. Learning to swim, knowing how to respond, and maintaining constant supervision are essential. Across the Principality, public awareness is growing, with posters at bus stops reminding residents to stay alert near water.
The Princess Charlene Foundation continues its international mission to teach swimming, rescue techniques, and sports education—empowering young people to stay safe and become responsible adults. As the summer sun lures people to beaches and pools, Monaco’s message is clear: vigilance, preparation, and education save lives. Because drowning is silent, and it happens fast.
Photo by Tim Marshall
