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©Fondation Princesse Charlène

The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation was founded in December 2012, with the aim of combating the worldwide problem of drowning.

320,000 deaths per year – according to the World Health Organization, that is the number of drownings that occur in the world.  More than half of these victims are under the age of 25, with children under five most affected by this phenomenon.  That is why Princess Charlene of Monaco, a former top-level swimmer who was ranked fifth in the Sydney Olympics in the 4x100m event, has set a priority objective for her Foundation – to save lives by preventing drowning.

Too many children die from drowning every year because they can’t swim, when simply learning to swim could save their lives and help them feel more comfortable and confident in the water.  My Foundation is focused on these children, who can become responsible adults if we show them the way…

H.S.H. Princess Charlene of Monaco

© Palais Princier de Monaco
© Direction de la Communication

Since it was launched in December 2012, the Princess Charlene Foundation has therefore been working to raise public awareness of the dangers of water and teach children about prevention measures, in particular through the “Learn to Swim” and “Water Safety” programmes.

With its “Sport & Education” programme, the Foundation uses sports activities to help disadvantaged children to further their personal development.

More than one million people, mainly children, have benefited from these three programmes in 43 countries.

To assist her with her activities, Princess Charlene is supported by renowned ambassadors such as the tennis player Novak Djokovic, double Olympic champion and triple world champion swimmer Yannick Agnel, and Formula 1 drivers Jenson Button and Charles Leclerc.

© Direction de la Communication
© Palais Princier de Monaco / Direction de la Communication

Since 2018, to promote its cause, the Foundation has been organising the Water Bike Challenge.

In September 2020, two teams of four internationally renowned athletes, including Princess Charlene, crossed the Mediterranean from Calvi to Monaco on these sea bikes.  They took turns for 24 hours during the 180 km crossing.

The money raised by the Water Bike Challenge will be used to finance equipment.  Thanks to the combined action of the Princess Charlene Foundation, Monaco Red Cross and the Burkina Faso Red Cross, Monaco’s pavilion at the 2015 Milan World Expo has found a new life in Burkina Faso.

It was entirely dismantled and rebuilt in Loumbila and has become the central element of a complex that includes accommodation and a professional training centre, as well as a first-aid training centre for countries in the West African region.  This complex is equipped with a swimming pool, where lifeguards and swimming supervisors can be trained;  the aim is also to raise awareness among the local population of the risks associated with the aquatic environment.

© Croix Rouge Monégasque
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Fondation Princesse Charlene de Monaco

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