April 10, 2024, Fort Lauderdale, FL - A day of water safety and aquatic sport was held in honor of H.S.H. Princess Charlene of Monaco at the City of Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center in Florida. Over 200 children attended the special field trip event to participate in the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation Water Safety Day featuring life safety skills practice and sports demonstrations. The participants for the day’s planned activities are enrolled in the City’s Parks & Recreation programs for children ages 5-17.
Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis gave the opening remarks:
'The City of Fort Lauderdale shares the mission of The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation and its commitment, “to building a world where children from all backgrounds can learn how to swim and practice water safety especially in our community where we have many pools, waterways, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water around us.”
The City of Fort Lauderdale shares many of the same interests as Monaco – boating, tourism, and swimming! This summer, the 2024 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games will be held in Paris, France, a neighbor nation of Monaco – today we'll learn about aquatic sports and how to stay safe in the water.’
Even though HSH Princess Charlene was not able to attend, She sent a message for the occasion:
‘I am delighted to announce that my esteemed project of Water Safety Day will be soon implemented by My Foundation in the United States, with a particular focus on helping underprivileged children learn to swim.
As an advocate of water safety, I strongly believe that every child should have the opportunity to acquire essential swimming skills, regardless of their backgrounds.
By bringing this initiative to the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation USA, we aim to empower disadvantaged children, providing them with the necessary tools to enjoy water activities safely and confidently. I am thrilled to witness the positive impact this project will have on the lives of countless children, fostering a sense of joy, confidence, and security in and around water.’
H.E. Maguy Maccario-Doyle, Ambassador of Monaco to the U.S. and President of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation USA, also sent a message:
‘I couldn’t be happier that the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center (FLAC) is hosting the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation Water Safety Day for youth and teens from the City of Fort Lauderdale’s PLAY and TRIPs programs on April 10. As the President of the Foundation’s US chapter, I know how vital it is for young people to learn how to swim and how to be safe around water. With the summer swim season fast approaching, it is the ideal time to start learning.
Good luck and happy summer!’
Monaco's Honorary Consul in Miami, Tomas Abreu, attended the event:
'I am very happy that I can be here today participating in this special water safety event hosted by the City of Fort Lauderdale and the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation USA. Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death, especially among children. That is why water safety and drowning prevention must be a priority for all of us. This is particularly important in South Florida, where we are surrounded by water, and we have the good fortune of being able to participate in outdoor activities all year round.
The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation was created in 2012 and is devoted to water safety and drowning prevention, and to developing the education of children through the values of sport. For 10 years, more than 1,000,000 people have benefitted from the Foundations programs in more than 43 countries. As we enjoy the beauty and recreational opportunities that water
provides, let us never forget the importance of water safety and drowning prevention.'
Photos: Jerry Wyszatycki
Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis gave the opening remarks:
'The City of Fort Lauderdale shares the mission of The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation and its commitment, “to building a world where children from all backgrounds can learn how to swim and practice water safety especially in our community where we have many pools, waterways, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water around us.”
The City of Fort Lauderdale shares many of the same interests as Monaco – boating, tourism, and swimming! This summer, the 2024 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games will be held in Paris, France, a neighbor nation of Monaco – today we'll learn about aquatic sports and how to stay safe in the water.’
Even though HSH Princess Charlene was not able to attend, She sent a message for the occasion:
‘I am delighted to announce that my esteemed project of Water Safety Day will be soon implemented by My Foundation in the United States, with a particular focus on helping underprivileged children learn to swim.
As an advocate of water safety, I strongly believe that every child should have the opportunity to acquire essential swimming skills, regardless of their backgrounds.
By bringing this initiative to the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation USA, we aim to empower disadvantaged children, providing them with the necessary tools to enjoy water activities safely and confidently. I am thrilled to witness the positive impact this project will have on the lives of countless children, fostering a sense of joy, confidence, and security in and around water.’
H.E. Maguy Maccario-Doyle, Ambassador of Monaco to the U.S. and President of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation USA, also sent a message:
‘I couldn’t be happier that the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center (FLAC) is hosting the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation Water Safety Day for youth and teens from the City of Fort Lauderdale’s PLAY and TRIPs programs on April 10. As the President of the Foundation’s US chapter, I know how vital it is for young people to learn how to swim and how to be safe around water. With the summer swim season fast approaching, it is the ideal time to start learning.
Good luck and happy summer!’
Monaco's Honorary Consul in Miami, Tomas Abreu, attended the event:
'I am very happy that I can be here today participating in this special water safety event hosted by the City of Fort Lauderdale and the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation USA. Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death, especially among children. That is why water safety and drowning prevention must be a priority for all of us. This is particularly important in South Florida, where we are surrounded by water, and we have the good fortune of being able to participate in outdoor activities all year round.
The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation was created in 2012 and is devoted to water safety and drowning prevention, and to developing the education of children through the values of sport. For 10 years, more than 1,000,000 people have benefitted from the Foundations programs in more than 43 countries. As we enjoy the beauty and recreational opportunities that water
provides, let us never forget the importance of water safety and drowning prevention.'
Photos: Jerry Wyszatycki