Protecting children from the risk of drowning in the summer.

Every summer, the worry about drowning accidents among children becomes a major concern for families, schools, and society as a whole. Just at the beginning of this summer, the province has already seen several tragic drowning incidents, particularly the case of five students who died while swimming in the river in Song Lo commune. This incident continues to raise alarm bells about the dangers of water safety for children.

Proactively equip children with safety skills.

At Dao Duc B Primary School in Xuan Lang commune, drowning prevention and awareness campaigns are implemented through various visual and engaging methods. Through images and videos illustrating real-life situations, students are guided to identify risks, learn how to handle situations, and protect themselves in case of accidents in the water. In addition, the school maintains swimming classes to gradually equip students with water safety skills; and emphasizes cooperation with parents in supervising students during the summer.

Physical education teachers at Dao Duc B Primary School are instructing students in swimming to improve their skills in preventing and responding to drowning incidents.

Ms. Chu Thi Chuc, Principal of Dao Duc B Primary School, said: "Identifying drowning prevention among students as a key task, in addition to awareness campaigns, the school proactively organizes swimming classes for students, directly taught by physical education teachers. To date, about 40% of the school's students know how to swim. This summer, the school continues to develop plans to open more swimming classes, aiming to increase the percentage of students who know how to swim and equip them with drowning prevention skills."

Representatives from the Board of Directors of Dao Duc B Primary School (standing in the middle) discuss with parents about measures to prevent drowning among students during the summer.

For many parents, proactively equipping their children with skills and raising awareness of drowning prevention is considered a crucial solution to minimize unfortunate accidents during the summer. Many families have become more attentive to supervising their children outside of school hours, reminding them not to go to dangerous areas like rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes on their own; and at the same time, creating opportunities for their children to participate in swimming lessons and water safety skills training.

Ms. Le Thi Hung, a parent of a student in Xuan Lang commune, shared: "My family lives near the river, so we always remind our children not to go swimming in the river without an adult accompanying them. We also cooperate with the school to enroll our children in swimming lessons to equip them with additional skills to prevent drowning."

Strengthening responsibility from families and communities.

At Son Loi Secondary School in Binh Nguyen commune, the school prioritizes drowning prevention through practical skills training sessions for students.

Following a drowning incident involving a student during the 2022-2023 school year, the school became even more aware of the importance of prevention. As a result, they intensified awareness campaigns, equipped students with emergency response skills, and enhanced their self-protection awareness. Through simulated scenarios, students were guided on safe response skills in case of water emergencies, learning how to call for help instead of acting instinctively, which could easily endanger themselves.

Students at Son Loi Secondary School practice using rescue equipment to save a drowning person from the shore.

According to teacher Duong Thi Thanh Hien, at the junior high school age, students have limited physical strength and skills, making it difficult for them to directly rescue a friend in a drowning accident. Therefore, when they see someone in distress, they should not rush to jump in to save them if they are not equipped with the necessary skills, because drowning people often panic and cling on, putting both at risk. In case assistance is needed, they should quickly call an adult and use a lifebuoy, pole, rope, or other floating object to rescue from the shore. If they have swimming and rescue skills, they should approach the victim from behind, maintain a safe distance, and bring them to shore using the correct technique.

Local authorities are also stepping up various measures to improve the effectiveness of drowning prevention efforts for children during the summer.

Comrade Nguyen Thi Thu Huong, Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Department of Binh Nguyen commune, said: Following the tragic incident in Song Lo commune, the local authorities have requested 100% of schools in the area to develop plans to strengthen propaganda and education on drowning prevention skills; organize students to sign commitments not to swim or bathe in rivers, ponds, or lakes without adult supervision; and closely coordinate with families in managing students outside of school hours. The locality is also promoting the dissemination of knowledge and skills in water safety, implementing swimming lessons, and guiding skills to prevent accidents and injuries in order to raise awareness among students and parents and prevent similar tragic incidents from occurring.

On May 21, 2026, the Chairman of the People's Committee of Phu Tho province issued Directive No. 15/CT-UBND on strengthening the prevention and control of child drowning during the summer, requiring localities, schools, and families to implement a comprehensive range of solutions to ensure the safety of children. Accordingly, localities are to strengthen inspections, erect warning signs and barriers in dangerous areas such as rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes; and promote awareness and equip students with water safety skills before the summer break.

Preventing drowning among children is not just the responsibility of families or schools, but requires the concerted efforts of the entire community. Regular attention and reminders from adults, along with equipping children with safety skills, will be a crucial "shield" to help them have a safe and healthy summer.

Nguyen Toan

Source: https://baophutho.vn/bao-ve-tre-em-truc-nguy-co-duoi-nuoc-mua-he-255031.htm