Free swimming classes help rural students prevent drowning

A swimming practice session for students of Nguyen Van Troi Primary School, Vi Thanh 1 commune, Can Tho city.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Van, a teacher at Nguyen Van Troi Primary School, said that the school is located in a rural area with a complex network of canals and waterways. Many parents, busy with farming, do not have time to teach their children to swim, thus posing a potential risk of drowning. Because one of the school's students had drowned before 2022, the school decided to offer free swimming lessons every summer.

To open the class, the school utilized the canal in front of the school as a swimming area, solicited donations of swimming equipment from benefactors, and had some of the school's physical education teachers volunteer to teach. "After the fundraising, benefactors donated 20 life jackets as swimming equipment, plus the enthusiastic participation of the school's teachers, so the class gradually became stable. Thankfully, parents were very supportive," added Ms. Van.

The class is held three times a week for two months during the summer. After this period, 100% of the participating students know how to swim freestyle, kick their legs, and save themselves in dangerous situations on rivers and lakes. They are also equipped with the skills to handle situations when they see someone drowning, not to jump in to rescue them immediately but to quickly seek help from adults.

Pham Minh Dang, a student in class 4A, shared: “Before, every time I walked past the canals and ditches near my house, I was very afraid of slipping and falling into the water. Once, when it rained heavily and the road was flooded, I had to ask a relative to help me walk to school. Since learning to swim, I feel much more confident because I know how to float and breathe underwater. If I accidentally fall into the water, I don't panic like before.”

Ms. Vo Thi Phuong, Minh Dang's parent, expressed: "Before, I was very worried and anxious when my child played near canals and ditches, but now I feel relieved because he basically knows how to swim and float on the water. Learning to swim is truly invaluable, helping our children develop both physical fitness and survival skills, so parents wholeheartedly support the free swimming lessons organized by the school."

Running from the summer of 2022 to the present, the class has helped approximately 60 students at the school learn swimming skills, play, and improve their physical fitness. “After the opening ceremony of the 2025-2026 school year, the school will review and compile a list of students from grades 1 to 5 who need swimming lessons to open afternoon classes after school. This will help them learn basic swimming skills, protect themselves, and develop comprehensively in both physical and life skills,” Ms. Van informed.

"Free swimming lessons for children" is not only a model of physical education but also a practical solution to the problem of drowning accidents among children. Maintaining and expanding this model is essential, as it will help build a safer, more civilized, and more responsible community for the holistic development of children.

Text and photos: PHUOC THUAN

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/lop-day-boi-mien-phi-giup-hoc-sinh-nong-thon-phong-tranh-duoi-nuoc-a189864.html