This week, Larvotto Beach transformed into an open-air classroom for an essential lesson in aquatic safety, as Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco spearheaded the 2025 edition of Water Safety Day. Organized by the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation in collaboration with the Académie Monégasque de la Mer, this annual event brought together nearly 100 middle school students from across the Principality for a dynamic morning of hands-on training in life-saving techniques.
A decade of dedication: Empowering young lifesavers
Since its launch in 2014, Water Safety Day has become a cornerstone of Monaco’s calendar, consistently reinforcing vital messages about drowning prevention and water safety awareness. This year’s focus remained steadfast: arming young people with the critical knowledge and practical skills that could one day save a life — a cause deeply personal to Princess Charlene.
From drills to diving: Engaging workshops for future heroes
Students, drawn from Monaco’s 6e and 5e classes, rotated through a series of interactive workshops designed to build both theoretical understanding and practical rescue experience. Activities were diverse and engaging, including rope-based coastal rescues, mastering tube buoy techniques, handling Nipper Boards, performing CPR drills, and even coordination exercises disguised as playful games like “musical sticks.”
Expert guidance: A dream team of mentors
Guiding these aspiring lifesavers was an impressive team of experts. Pierre Frolla, a four-time world record holder in freediving and a prominent ambassador for the Princess Charlene Foundation, led the charge. He was joined by experienced instructors from the Académie Monégasque de la Mer and dedicated volunteers from the Monaco Red Cross, ensuring top-tier supervision and instruction throughout the day.
Sporting stars and international flair
The event also benefited from the presence of several accomplished athletes associated with the Foundation, including handball star Jérôme Fernandez, gymnast Kevin Crovetto, coastal rescue specialist Julien Lalanne, rugby player Antoine Zeghdar, and freediving champion Marine Simonis. Their expertise and encouragement proved invaluable to the young participants.
Adding an exciting international dimension this year, a group of elite New Zealand swimmers, currently training in Monaco for their upcoming competitive season, enthusiastically took part in the activities. They were accompanied by their renowned coach, Graham Hill, a familiar face in swimming circles and a former coach to Princess Charlene herself.
A personal mission: Princess Charlene’s commitment to water safety
For Princess Charlene, a former Olympic swimmer, Water Safety Day is far more than a symbolic gesture; it’s a profound personal mission. Her foundation continues to champion education and hands-on training as the most effective means of reducing the risk of drowning, which remains a leading cause of accidental death among children worldwide.
