On the island of La Réunion, high drowning rates require teaching swimming to young children

In the French department of La Réunion for the first time, the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation is supporting a project in favour of the development of the youngest, initiated by the Cercle des Nageurs de Saint-Joseph (CNSJ).

The CNSJ is a swimming club in the town of Saint-Joseph located south of the island, which supervises swimming lessons for children and adults, aquatic activities, and swimming competitions.

On the island of La Réunion, nearly a third of young people cannot swim despite the availability of swimming lessons in primary schools. This figure is worrying and even more important in Saint-Joseph, where many children were unable to learn to swim in 2020 and many lessons were suspended in 2021, due to the health crisis.

The CNSJ, in partnership with the Council of Saint-Joseph, wishes to complete school swimming and add to the existing system.

Through the operation entitled “Plan aisance aquatique & prévention des noyades“, the club aims to reduce drowning rates among children aged 3 to 11, who will benefit from free and adapted swimming courses.

With this project in 2021-2022 and thanks to the support of the Foundation, more than 400 children will be able to learn to swim and ensure their safety in the water.