Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation creates awareness about drowning
SANDTON – Princess Charlene of Monaco recently spoke on behalf of her foundation to create awareness about the dangers of water.
The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation recently hosted a cocktail function in Sandton in aid of water safety and drowning prevention.
According to the foundation, drowning is a silent killer and the third leading cause of unintentional injury deaths across the world. It works tirelessly to save children from death and injury caused by drowning.
On 21 April, Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene hosted an exclusive cocktail function to personally speak on behalf of her foundation about the importance of its work.
Many prestigious South African personalities attended the function and some of South Africa’s most highly-regarded athletes spoke about the work that the foundation does.
The foundation raises public awareness about the dangers of water, teaches children preventive measures and teaches them to swim.
According to the World Health Organisation, in 2012 about 372 000 people died from drowning, making drowning a major public health problem worldwide. Children, particularly in low and middle-income countries, are at the highest risk of drowning.
According to Her Serene Highness, “Here in South Africa, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death after road accidents.”
She added, “We can save so many lives simply by teaching people essential water safety skills and how to swim and by focusing on one person, one family, one community at a time.”
Gavin Varejes, president of the foundation said, “By working with children in underprivileged areas, who are at greater risk, to teach them about water safety, the foundation is ensuring that fewer senseless deaths from drowning occur. These children can go on to live healthy and fulfilled lives, and that is key to the future of our country.”
Her Serene Highness has also been active at several South African events during her stay.
She visited Gugulesizwe Primary School on 21 April to meet with staff and children, as a follow-up to her visit in 2012 when she donated a vegetable garden to the school.
Edited by Stacey Woensdregt
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