Bora Open Water

In 2019, the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation launched its first Learn to Swim project in French Polynesia, in partnership with the Tahitian Swimming Federation (FTN). The role of the Federation is to develop the practice of aquatic sports, set up “I learn to swim” actions and encourage the creation of local clubs such as the Bora Open Water club.

In December 2019, this club organized learning sessions on the beach of Matira (island of Bora Bora): environmental observation workshops, advanced swimming, introduction to water rescue, first aid and drowning prevention.

Under the leadership of Mrs. Stéphanie Geyer Barneix, world champion in coastal lifesaving and record holder of the longest paddle board crossing, 119 children aged 6 to 12 benefited from the courses. They were supervised by international champions of sports coastal lifesaving: Mrs. Emmanuelle Bescheron, Mr. Walter Geyer, Mrs. Alexandra Lux and the osteopath of the National France Team Mr. Gauthier Philaire.

Mr. Gaston Tong Sang, Mayor of Bora Bora and President of the Assembly of French Polynesia, welcomed this initiative and hopes that the project can be renewed in the future.