Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene travelled to Viareggio on Wednesday, June 17, to take part in a new edition of Water Safety Day, an initiative organised by the Princess Charlene Foundation of Monaco to raise awareness of water safety, rescue techniques and first aid among young people…
Held on Bagno Flora beach, the event welcomed nearly 50 children from local leisure centres and inclusive associations. Through a series of educational and sporting workshops, participants learned essential lifesaving skills under the guidance of Stéphanie Barneix, ambassador of the Foundation, alongside Italian lifeguards and rescue professionals.
The programme included first-aid training with the Italian Red Cross, practical water safety exercises and awareness sessions highlighting the importance of adapting swimming skills to natural environments such as the sea and rivers. Organisers emphasised that confidence in a swimming pool does not always translate to safety in open water, making education and prevention essential.
The day also featured impressive demonstrations by the Italian Coast Guard and the Italian Rescue Dog School (SICS), giving children an opportunity to witness professional rescue operations firsthand. Princess Charlene spent time with participants throughout the event, joining them as they explored the different activities.
For the first time, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation also partnered with the initiative through the Together Crossing for the Pelagos project. Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene are due to officially launch the waterbike crossing from Viareggio on June 19, further highlighting Monaco’s commitment to safety, education and marine conservation.
Image: Prince’s Palace
