Princess Charlene has spoken out about the alarming rise in drowning incidents across France this summer, calling it “a public health emergency”, as the country grapples with a 45% increase in water-related deaths compared to 2024.
The Princess, a former Olympic swimmer, gave exclusive interviews to French media outlets Ouest-France and Monaco-Matin in mid August, using the platforms to highlight the critical importance of water safety education and supervision around pools, beaches and waterways.
Between June 1st and July 23rd 2025, France recorded 702 drowning incidents resulting in 193 deaths, according to the Public Health Agency. The figures represent a devastating rise from the 133 fatalities recorded during the same period last year.
The crisis hit particularly close to home on 4th August when two children, aged seven and eight, drowned in a swimming pool in Antibes after briefly escaping their family’s supervision.
“I would first like to extend my most sincere condolences to the families affected by this tragic accident,” Princess Charlene told Monaco-Matin. “Losing a child is unimaginable and my thoughts are with them during this difficult time. No family should have to endure such pain, especially when it could have been avoided.”
Personal loss drives decade-long mission
The Princess’s commitment to water safety stems from a childhood trauma that continues to fuel her advocacy work today.
“This is a subject that touches me deeply,” she revealed to Ouest-France. “When I was a child, my cousin Richard drowned in a river. He was only five-years-old. It was devastating for our entire family. I believe that this kind of pain never really goes away.”
That personal tragedy, combined with her professional swimming background, led Princess Charlene to establish her Foundation in 2012, with drowning prevention at its core.
“As a former Olympic swimmer, water has always been at the heart of my life; it has given me so much. But I have also been able to see its dangers,” she explained to Monaco-Matin.
“Water fascinates with its beauty but it can prove merciless, even for experienced swimmers,” she warned. “Fatigue, cramps, currents, thermal shock – no swimmer is immune. My advice is simple: never overestimate your abilities, always swim under supervision and master rescue techniques that can make the difference.”
What makes drowning particularly dangerous is its silent nature. “Children can drown quickly and silently, often without struggling or splashing. This can happen in seconds, even in shallow water,” she explained. “That’s why the presence of an attentive adult, entirely focused on supervision, is the only real protection.”
Foundation’s global reach spans 45 countries
Through her Foundation’s ‘Learn to Swim’ and ‘Water Safety’ programmes, Princess Charlene has taken her mission worldwide, operating in more than 45 countries.
“Water should remain a place of joy, not mourning,” she told Ouest-France. “When you know how to swim, when you know the safety rules, you greatly reduce the risk. It’s not an absolute guarantee but it’s powerful protection.”
The Princess believes swimming instruction should be treated as a fundamental right, arguing that “making this learning free is also a question of equality: all children don’t have the same chance to access a pool or a club.”
Monaco has implemented what Princess Charlene describes as exemplary water safety education, starting in kindergarten and continuing through students’ school years.
“Here, lessons start from the last year of kindergarten, which is a Monaco speciality, and survival tests are organised throughout schooling,” she explained. Students participate in annual Water Safety Day events where they learn emergency response techniques through hands-on workshops.
Over 4,000 students benefit from these programmes annually, taught by specialised PE teachers and certified lifeguards. From Year 3 onwards, survival tests become mandatory for nautical activities including rowing, sailing and sea rescue.
While acknowledging increased public awareness since launching her Foundation 13 years ago, Princess Charlene stressed the need for greater resources and political commitment.
“To reach more people, we need to combine both elements,” she told Monaco-Matin. “Financial and human resources are essential to fund swimming lessons, build or renovate pools and train instructors. At the same time, raising awareness among political decision-makers is crucial.”
Teaching approach builds confidence, not fear
Princess Charlene’s hands-on teaching method focuses on creating positive water experiences for children.
“For me, the essential thing is to create a safe and reassuring environment from the first moment,” she explained. “I encourage children to explore water at their own pace, through games, positive encouragement and simple breathing and floating exercises. Each child is different, so patience and encouragement are essential. My goal is for them to associate water with confidence and joy, rather than fear.”
“This is not just a cause for me, it’s a personal mission: putting my experience in service for others,” she concluded
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Main photo credit of Princess Charlène: Éric Mathon / Palais princier
