Right royal partnership, Princess Charlene and Lifesaving South Africa
The princess was announced as the Patron of Lifesaving South Africa in uMhlanga earlier this week.
PRINCESS Charlene of Monaco was announced as Patron of Lifesaving South Africa on Wednesday evening at a function at the Beverley Hills Hotel in uMhlanga. Gareth Wittstock accepted the appointment by Lifesaving South Africa president Dylan Tommy on behalf of his sister, Princess Charlene.
Former South African Olympic swimmer, Princess Charlene met Prince Albert of Monaco at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000. Passionate about swimming and water safety, the princess established The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation in 2012.
The foundation focuses on water safety, teaching children how to swim and promoting the values of sport.
“Drowning is the world’s third leader in accidental killing,” said the princess in a recorded message, “We have to make drowning the subject of concerted and coordinated prevention efforts.”
In 2013, with the help of South African swimmers, Ryk Neethling, Terence Parkin and SA ruby legend, Francois Pienaar as ambassadors, Princess Charlene set up a branch of her foundation in South Africa to give back to her beloved country.
“It is a great honour for me to be named patron of Lifesaving South Africa‚ an organisation that shares the same vision as my foundation and one that I have always been inspired by,” said the princess. The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation handed over 200 rescue boards in honour of Lifesaving South Africa’s commitment and mission in protecting the coastline.
According to Statistics South Africa, more than 1500 people drown in South Africa every year. “Since Lifesaving South Africa was established our lifeguards saved over 120 000 people from drowning‚” said Tommy.
“We felt that it was better for Lifesaving South Africa and The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation to collaborate together to create water safety awareness and improve the fight against drowning in South Africa,” Tommy told Northglen News.
“Let’s join forces and mobilise governments‚ NGOs and international bodies to end death by drowning. Together we will save lives‚ one person‚ one family‚ one community at a time,” said Princess Charlene.
