Princess Charlene of Monaco walks on the beach during a swimming event for her foundation in Capbreton, Southwestern France, September 1, 2013. (REUTERS/Regis Duvignau)
Princess Charlene of Monaco walks on the beach during a swimming event for her foundation in Capbreton, Southwestern France, September 1, 2013. (REUTERS/Regis Duvignau)

Princess Charlene of Monaco reunited with her passion as she took part in a swimming event in Capbreton, southwestern France over the weekend.

The Princess, a former South African Olympic swimmer, swam in the French sea for a charity event set up by her foundation, which aims at developing sports values in children.

Dressed in a wetsuit, the 35-year-old princess, who married Monaco's Prince Albert II in July 2011, taught children about water safety and gave them demonstrations on swimming techniques in the pool and in the ocean.

"My Foundation continues to support projects highlighting the importance and awareness around aquatic safety," Princess Charlene said in a statement.

"Too many children are drowning each year because they do not know how to swim. This could easily be prevented if they had the opportunity to learn. It would save their lives as well as give them the confidence they need in the water."

Charlene was all smiles with her young students. (REUTERS/Regis Duvignau)
Charlene was all smiles with her young students. (REUTERS/Regis Duvignau)
The former Olympic swimmer smiles for the shutterbugs during her swimming event for charity. (REUTERS/Regis Duvignau)
The former Olympic swimmer smiles for the shutterbugs during her swimming event for charity. (REUTERS/Regis Duvignau)
The 35-year-old looked very enthusiastic about the event. (REUTERS/Regis Duvignau)
The 35-year-old looked very enthusiastic about the event. (REUTERS/Regis Duvignau)

As many as 150 students, aged between 5 and 11 years old, joined Charlene's day-long event - accompanied by lifeguards, a clutch of athletes and around 50 volunteers.

Charlene's team came in fifth at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. She continued to win several swimming championships until she stopped competing since Beijing Olympics in 2007.

In 2000, Charlene won gold for the 200m backstroke at the Marenostrum international swimming meeting in Monaco. This is when she met Prince Albert for the first time.

Here are more photos from the event:

Princess Charlene looked ecstatic as she reunited with her passion for swimming. (REUTERS/Regis Duvignau)
Princess Charlene looked ecstatic as she reunited with her passion for swimming. (REUTERS/Regis Duvignau)
Princess Charlene of Monaco paddles during the swimming event for her foundation. (REUTERS/Regis Duvignau)
Princess Charlene of Monaco paddles during the swimming event for her foundation. (REUTERS/Regis Duvignau)
Besides teaching children, she took some time out to enjoy the waters. (REUTERS/Regis Duvignau)
Besides teaching children, she took some time out to enjoy the waters. (REUTERS/Regis Duvignau)
Princess Charlene gestures during her swimming event. (REUTERS/Regis Duvignau)
Princess Charlene gestures during her swimming event. (REUTERS/Regis Duvignau)
The aim of her foundation is to reinforcing the awareness of water safety among children. (REUTERS/Regis Duvignau)
The aim of her foundation is to reinforcing the awareness of water safety among children. (REUTERS/Regis Duvignau)
Princess Charlene of Monaco speaks with children during the event for her foundation in Capbreton, Southwestern France, September 1, 2013. (REUTERS/Regis Duvignau)
Princess Charlene of Monaco speaks with children during the event for her foundation in Capbreton, Southwestern France, September 1, 2013. (REUTERS/Regis Duvignau)
"We are all aware of horrible stories about small children drowning because they could not swim. Teaching them how to swim could save their lives," Princess Charlene said.
"We are all aware of horrible stories about small children drowning because they could not swim. Teaching them how to swim could save their lives," Princess Charlene said.

Also Read: Monaco's Princess Charlene Shines in Satin Blue at Red Cross Gala [SLIDESHOW]

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