In a continuation of her commitments to water safety and the promotion of the values of sport in education, Princess Charlene joined with members of her eponymous foundation to host a Water Safety Day initiative for local children at a lakeside in southwestern France earlier this month. 

On Tuesday 11th June, the Princess and her foundation conducted the first Water Safety Day for the schoolchildren of Léon in the department of Landes. 

Neither the clouds nor the blustery weather could temper the enthusiasm of Princess Charlene and the 140 children from local CM1 and CM2 classes who attended the event, which was held at the Lac de Léon.  

Watching on from the beach, the Princess provided encouragement to all who braved the waters for a series of life-saving and rescue workshops, which included a dramatic helicopter rescue.

On the beach, the children were taught the essentials of first aid by members of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, such as Stéphanie Barneix, freediver Pierre Frolla, gymnast Kevin Crovetto and handball player Jérôme Fernandez. They were supported in their efforts by Landes’ local lifeguards as well as representatives from the Réserve Naturelle du Courant d’Huchet.  

Throughout the day, the children were involved in theory and practical training sessions that covered topics like the importance of water and waste management, the local aquatic environment and its biodiversity, and the proper use of rescue equipment.  

Princess Charlene personally congratulated the children on their efforts, handing out certificates and admiring their artworks, much to the joy of the young students.

The day marked the first such endeavour in the Landes area by the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, but follows a long line of similar initiatives held in Monaco, across France and around the world.  

To see more from the day, click on the images below:

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In pictures: Princess Charlene makes a splash at Water Safety Day in Monaco

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Photo credit: Eric Mathon / Palais Princier de Monaco