Swimming legend from Monaco advocates for making swim instruction a constitutionally protected basic necessity due to increasing drowning incidents.
In a call to action, Princess Charlene of Monaco is advocating for swimming lessons to be recognised as a fundamental right for all children in France. This initiative comes in response to the rising number of drowning incidents in the country, with 193 fatalities recorded between June 1 and July 23, 2025—a 45% increase from the previous year [1][2].
The princess, an Olympic-level swimmer and the head of a foundation that works in over forty countries to teach swimming and raise awareness about water safety, has been at the forefront of this campaign. She emphasises the importance of learning to swim, stating that it is as essential as learning to read [1].
Princess Charlene's foundation focuses on initiatives that teach children to swim and raise awareness of water risks. Although the availability of swimming infrastructure and public engagement varies by country, she insists that drowning prevention must be a priority everywhere. Thus, her advocacy involves pushing for swimming lessons to become universally accessible and effectively recognised as a fundamental right [1][2].
The princess's foundation is not alone in this endeavour. The French Federation of Swimming Pool Lifeguards has recently advocated for free swimming lessons for all. Meanwhile, organisations worldwide are working to overcome racial and socioeconomic barriers to swimming lessons [3].
Princess Charlene's personal connection to the cause of drowning prevention is not explicitly stated, but her passion for the issue is evident. She believes that knowing safety rules greatly reduces the risk of drowning and advocates for getting children into the water early, supervised, to teach them how to save themselves [1][2].
However, no specific information is provided about the current drowning prevention efforts in France beyond the calls for action mentioned. The latest figures on drowning deaths in France are provided by Santé Publique France. The princess, formerly a South African swimming champion, supports the idea of making swimming lessons free, but no specific measures have been suggested by her foundation to make them more accessible [1][2].
This initiative by Princess Charlene has raised the profile of the issue in France, highlighting the urgent need for action to prevent drowning tragedies. As the campaign continues, it is hoped that swimming lessons will become a fundamental right for all children, ensuring they have the skills to stay safe in the water.
[1] Le Figaro, "Princess Charlene of Monaco Advocates for Swimming Lessons as a Fundamental Right," July 26, 2025. [2] France 24, "Princess Charlene's Swimming Safety Campaign Gains Momentum," July 27, 2025. [3] BBC News, "Organisations Work to Overcome Barriers to Swimming Lessons," July 28, 2025.
Building on Princess Charlene's advocacy for universal swimming lessons, organizations worldwide are increasingly incorporating water safety education into health-and-wellness programs, emphasizing the importance of fitness-and-exercise and nutrition in promoting overall well-being. For instance, French school curriculums could integrate science lessons related to water science and safety, equipping children with crucial knowledge and skills. In this way, the initiative extends beyond the realm of physical education, fostering acomprehensive understanding of water risks and promoting proper swimming techniques.
