Princess Charlène of Monaco champions child water safety on World Drowning Prevention Day

On World Drowning Prevention Day (25 July), the Palace of Monaco was illuminated in blue as Princess Charlène, a former elite swimmer, highlighted her personal connection to water safety. She recalled narrowly escaping drowning as a child and the loss of her cousin to the same fate, experiences that drive her advocacy.

Through the Fondation Princesse Charlène de Monaco, she promotes free swimming lessons for children from disadvantaged families, urging that every drowning is preventable. The Princess warned that global drowning deaths exceed 300 000 annually and noted a recent rise in such incidents, calling for broader prevention measures.

The event also coincided with the 150th anniversary of the first diplomatic mission between Spain and Monaco, underscoring the principality’s commitment to international cooperation on public‑health issues.