Laying the foundation for sustainable change.
According to statistics from the health sector, approximately 2,000 children die from drowning nationwide each year. In Quang Tri province alone, from 2019 to 2022, there were over 150 drowning deaths. The main causes are lack of adult supervision when children are near open water sources; and children not being equipped with swimming skills or the ability to handle dangerous situations.
In response to this situation, the project "Prevention and Control of Child Drowning in Quang Tri Province, 2022-2025" was implemented with many specific and practical activities aimed at minimizing drowning accidents through comprehensive solutions such as teaching safe swimming, educating skills, improving the capacity of teachers, and strengthening community communication.
To date, the project has been implemented in 21 communes, with the participation of 140 schools. After 3 years of implementation, the project has organized 478 swimming classes with over 9,000 students participating, nearly 90% of students achieving both the 25m swimming skill and the ability to float for 90 seconds; more than 33,000 students have received information and education on water safety skills. Many pieces of equipment such as life jackets, lifebuoys, swimming goggles, and swimming caps have been provided, contributing to improving learning conditions. Warning signs about hazards have also been installed in densely populated areas and near schools.
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| Many schools are investing in standard swimming pools to effectively implement swimming lessons for students - Photo: Nh.V |
Simultaneously, the project has certified 166 physical education teachers in swimming instruction; nearly 300 teachers in charge of youth groups, homeroom teachers, etc., have been trained in teaching knowledge and skills related to safety and drowning prevention for children, gradually building a core team capable of maintaining and expanding the model.
The education sector has intensified various activities to prevent drowning among students. Schools have integrated drowning prevention content into their curricula through extracurricular activities, physical education, and activities of youth organizations. Simultaneously, emphasis has been placed on improving the capacity of teachers through intensive training courses on swimming instruction, rescue skills, and first aid. The sector also collaborates closely with other sectors, localities, and international organizations to implement these activities in a coordinated and effective manner.
Typical models from the grassroots level
At Ham Ninh Primary School ( Quang Ninh province ), swimming lessons have become a highlight in physical education. Ms. Duong Thi Hong Hai, the school principal, said: "To encourage students to participate in swimming lessons, the school regularly promotes awareness of the importance of knowing how to swim indoors, preventing drowning accidents, and protecting health. Not only is swimming included in the curriculum, but the school also organizes flexible classes on weekends and during the summer. Before completing the primary school program, all students must meet swimming standards and receive a certificate from the 'Swim for Life' project."
Initially, this initiative faced considerable opposition from parents. However, through persistent efforts in promoting the program and demonstrating its effectiveness, the school gained widespread support. Since the swimming pool was installed (in 2018), 100% of the school's students have learned to swim upon graduation.
Similarly, Bac Dinh Primary and Secondary School (one of the schools located in an area with many rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes) is also a prime example of effectively implementing drowning prevention measures. The school has mobilized social resources to build a prefabricated swimming pool right on its premises.
A highlight of the school is its ability to help students access knowledge about drowning prevention in a flexible and creative way through "learning through play" activities such as organizing the "Golden Bell" competition or extracurricular activities and dramatizations. Currently, about 95% of the school's students know how to swim and have drowning prevention skills.
To maximize the effectiveness of the project in the 2026-2030 period, Bac Dinh Primary and Secondary School aims to maintain 5-10 swimming classes per year through a socialized approach, striving to ensure that by 2030, 100% of students completing their education at the school will have safe swimming skills.
Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tung, Head of the Political and Ideological Affairs - Student Affairs Department of the Department of Education and Training, said: During the hot summer months, especially from April onwards, the risk of drowning increases as students often go swimming in dangerous areas without supervision. In just the first week of April 2026, several tragic incidents occurred in Quang Tri. The Department of Education and Training has requested educational institutions to closely coordinate with local authorities to implement comprehensive solutions, with particular emphasis on strengthening communication and educating students to comply with safety regulations; developing plans for teaching swimming and water safety skills; mobilizing resources to improve facilities; and maintaining coordination with families in managing students, especially during the summer break.
Recognizing drowning prevention as a top priority, Cam Lo commune has implemented many practical solutions, with particular emphasis on promoting awareness in schools and the community, regularly organizing extracurricular activities and experiences to enhance students' understanding and skills.
In addition, the commune also focuses on strengthening inter-sectoral coordination to mobilize the participation of the government, mass organizations, and parents in implementing activities to prevent drowning. Models such as "Safe School" and "Safe Community" are widely implemented. The locality also focuses on reviewing and warning about dangerous areas, utilizing the public address system to disseminate information, and promoting the role of the youth union in organizing summer activities...
Enhancing swimming instruction in schools is a practical solution for physical education, linking it with life skills training for students. Through these activities, students not only acquire basic swimming skills but also learn how to prevent water accidents, recognize risks, and handle emergency situations. Furthermore, students gain knowledge and skills in safe rescue techniques, contributing to improved self-protection and the ability to assist others when needed.
Nh.V
Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/xa-hoi/202605/la-chan-xanhbao-ve-hoc-sinh-3591dc6/
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