Both on land and at sea, the marine rescuers will offer a wide range of activities, demonstrations, and interactive experiences for all ages. This is a must-see event to discover the daily lives of SNSM volunteers and gain a better understanding of the challenges of maritime safety.

The SNSM at the Grand Pavois La Rochelle: A Presence on Land and at Sea

As a key partner in the maritime world, the SNSM – Société Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer will have a major presence at the 2026 Grand Pavois La Rochelle. The SNSM stations in Charente-Maritime, along with the Training and Response Centers (CFI) in La Rochelle and Rochefort, will be taking over the show to engage with the general public.

Advice for recreational boaters, presentations of rescue operations, demonstrations of safety equipment, prevention workshops, and discussions with rescuers… the SNSM is set to play a key role in the events at the Grand Pavois La Rochelle.

Be sure to visit the SNSM booth M14, in the “Osez le bateau” area, where crews from the various Charente-Maritime stations will take turns each day to offer activities and share their experiences.

SNSM Activities at the Grand Pavois, Day by Day

Tuesday, September 22

The Royan SNSM station will offer “toulines” workshops as well as a book signing for Le sauvetage en mer à l’embouchure de la Gironde, featuring Didier Ellie, a volunteer at the Royan SNSM station. At the same time, the La Rochelle SNSM station will lead a knot-tying workshop focused on bracelets.

Wednesday, September 23

The spotlight is on the Île de Ré SNSM station, featuring activities for children and a book signing for Mer des hommes, with Denis Chatin, president of the Île de Ré SNSM station.

Thursday, September 24

The SNSM station in La Rochelle will offer workshops on safety at sea: learning about and how to use life jackets, deploying life rafts, and practical advice on how to better prepare before heading out to sea.

Friday, September 25

The SNSM station in La Rochelle and Ouest Sécurité Marine will offer several prevention and safety workshops at 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.: life jackets, life rafts, and distress beacons.

Saturday, September 26

The La Rochelle SNSM station will continue its safety workshops at the SNSM kiosk. The CFI stations in La Rochelle and Rochefort will also take center stage with a brand-new activity at the Grand Pavois: “Swim with the SNSM lifeguards”, at Grand Pavois Beach.

Sunday, September 27

The SNSM stations from Île d’Aix and La Cotinière will be on hand to offer first-aid workshops and lifeline-throwing demonstrations.

Discover the SNSM’s boats and rescue equipment

The SNSM’s presence also continues on the water, with several vessels on display as part of the Bateaux Évènements.

Be sure to check out the SNS 144 IMA Antioche patrol boat, moored at Pontoon 3. This patrol boat from the La Rochelle SNSM station operates from the mouth of the Charente River to the northern tip of Île de Ré.

Other vessels from the SNSM stations in Charente-Maritime will also be present throughout the week: Royan on Tuesday, Île de Ré on Wednesday, and Île d’Aix and La Cotinière on Sunday.

This is your chance to climb aboard, explore the rescue equipment, and—most importantly—talk directly with the SNSM crews.

Experience a life-saving mission at sea with the SNSM

Want to take it even further? In the Sortez en mer area, the Grand Pavois La Rochelle offers an exceptional experience in partnership with the SNSM: “Live My Life as a Lifesaver at Sea”.

Aboard the SNS 741 Marie-Anne, a semi-rigid rapid-response boat based at the SNSM station in La Rochelle, you’ll get a true immersion into the daily life of a rescue worker.

After putting on your survival suit and helmet, set out to sea as if you were a member of the crew. A unique experience to discover the conditions under which rescuers operate and better understand the realities of sea rescue.

Practical information:

• Departures at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m.
• Departure from Pier 2
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Capacity: 4 people
• Open to people taller than 1.30 m
• Free activity, with the option to make a donation to the SNSM
• Trip subject to emergency callouts and weather conditions

A Grand Premiere: Swim with the SNSM Lifeguards

On Saturday, September 26, the Grand Pavois Beach will host a brand-new event: “Swim with the SNSM Lifeguards”.

What’s it all about? Sharing a swim in the ocean accompanied by an SNSM lifeguard. A unique opportunity to learn about their work, chat with them, and better understand their role in beach surveillance and safety.

Two sessions will be offered, starting from Grand Pavois Beach. To participate, simply sign up at the La Plage Welcome Tent.

First-aid demonstrations and exercises will also be offered throughout the day, with teams from the CFI centers in La Rochelle and Rochefort on hand.

Beyond the activities, this event will also provide an opportunity to learn more about the SNSM’s missions and the possibilities of joining the Training and Intervention Centers to train in lifesaving and, in particular, to become a lifeguard on French beaches.

Safety at Sea: A Shared Priority

The SNSM’s presence at the Grand Pavois La Rochelle reflects a shared conviction: the joy of sailing goes hand in hand with knowledge of the sea and safety.

Every year, SNSM volunteers respond to assist people in distress at sea, regardless of their type of boat, activity, or level of experience. Their mission is rooted in a fundamental value of the maritime world: solidarity.

At the Grand Pavois La Rochelle, their presence adds a dimension to the show that goes far beyond simply exploring boats. It helps raise visitors’ awareness of safe behavior at sea, provides insight into safety equipment, and offers a hands-on look at the work of the men and women who watch over those who enjoy the sea.

Demonstrations, workshops, boat tours, sea excursions, and conversations with lifeguards: this year, the SNSM invites you to the Grand Pavois La Rochelle to learn, discover, and share a different way of experiencing the sea.