This summer saw a record number of drownings in France, with 301 fatalities—a 14% increase compared to 2025. The rise in incidents has been linked to extreme heat conditions, according to Santé publique France, which monitors public health trends. In response, efforts are being made to teach children how to swim in natural water bodies like lakes and rivers, which present different risks than swimming pools. While the national education system is focusing on pool-based swimming lessons, the unpredictable nature of open water requires specialized training. In the Landes department, the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, along with local lifeguards, has launched a program to educate children about the dangers of swimming in natural water environments. Over 300 children, aged 6 to 12, have participated in group sessions that teach basic swimming skills, floating techniques, and how to assist someone in distress. These sessions take place both on the beach and in the water, using tools like buoys and rescue boards to simulate real-life scenarios. Stéphanie Barneix, who coordinates bathing supervision in the Landes, explains that children are often unprepared for the challenges of natural water bodies, which can be more turbulent and less controlled than pools. The program aims to eventually include secondary school students in organized outings, expanding its reach and impact. The initiative also highlights the importance of professional guidance, as many parents lack the resources or knowledge to teach these critical water safety skills. Parents have expressed appreciation for the program, noting that it fills a gap in children’s safety education. With the increasing frequency of heatwaves and the growing number of people seeking relief in natural water bodies, such initiatives are seen as vital in reducing the risk of drowning. The success of the Landes program may serve as a model for similar efforts in other regions of France.