Equipping children with skills to prevent drowning.

Summer is a time for children to rest and play after a year of studying. However, it is also a time when many risks of accidents and injuries, especially drowning, are present. Authorities at all levels in the province are actively implementing various solutions to raise awareness, equip children with skills, and create a safe environment for them during the summer.

Parents need to strengthen supervision and education to ensure the safety of their children during the summer break. (Photo: Hon Gai Beach, Ha Long Ward)

According to statistics, in 2025, 21 accidents occurred in the province, resulting in 33 child deaths. Of these, drowning continued to be the leading cause of death, with 14 incidents claiming 26 children (an increase of 4 cases compared to 2024). This reality shows that the risk of drowning accidents remains present and requires decisive action from all levels and sectors, along with the collective efforts of the entire society.

Notably, the 0-8 age group accounts for the highest proportion, at 48%, of deaths due to accidental injuries. These are age groups with limited awareness and self-protection skills, and require constant supervision from family and adults.

To minimize the risk of drowning accidents, the province has recently directed departments, agencies, and localities to strengthen the inspection of areas with potential safety risks such as rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, dams, construction sites, and unauthorized recreational areas.

The People's Procuracy of Region 4 provided first aid and emergency response training to students and teachers in Binh Lieu commune. (Photo: Provided by the institution)

One of the key solutions implemented by local authorities is to strengthen the dissemination of information and education on accident and drowning prevention skills for children. Notably, in mid-May, the People's Procuracy of Region 4, in coordination with the Youth Union of Binh Lieu commune and schools in the area, organized a program to raise awareness about drowning prevention, injury prevention, and traffic safety for more than 1,800 students and teachers.

During these awareness sessions, students are provided with basic knowledge on identifying accident and injury risks in daily life; drowning prevention skills; safe electricity usage skills; fire prevention and control; first aid skills and handling emergency situations…

La Anh Thu (a 4th-grade student at Binh Lieu Primary and Secondary School) said: "During the awareness session, we were guided through practical rescue skills such as using life jackets and flotation devices; how to call for help when we spot someone drowning; and methods of indirectly rescuing drowning victims using branches, ropes, lifebuoys, and other available flotation devices. These hands-on practical exercises helped us easily understand, remember, and apply the knowledge when needed."

Nearly 50 warning signs about drowning prevention have been newly erected by Hoành Bồ ward at dangerous locations.

In Hoanh Bo ward, the prevention of drowning among children has been implemented comprehensively and decisively since the beginning of summer. Through surveys, the locality has identified many areas with potential safety risks such as ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, dams, and deep water areas. Nearly 50 new warning signs about drowning prevention have been erected at dangerous locations, contributing to raising awareness among residents and children.

Simultaneously, the ward organized 10 awareness campaigns at schools in the area, attracting nearly 5,000 students and parents. Not stopping at these awareness campaigns, according to the plan, during the summer of 2026, Hoành Bồ ward will coordinate with units, schools, and organizations to organize approximately 15 swimming classes and water safety skills training for children. This is considered a practical solution to equip children with essential survival skills, contributing to minimizing drowning accidents.

The Van Don Special Economic Zone's Communication and Culture Center will open swimming classes for students during the summer of 2026. Photo: Do ​​Hien - Contributor

In the Van Don Special Economic Zone, with its unique characteristics as a coastal area featuring a system of lakes, beaches, harbors, and extensive coastal areas, this presents both advantages for economic and tourism development and potential safety risks for children if they lack adult supervision. Especially during the summer, the demand for recreation, swimming, and beach activities increases, while many children lack adequate water safety skills.

Based on that reality, the People's Committee of the special administrative region aims to strive for 100% of villages and residential areas to organize awareness campaigns on preventing accidents, injuries, and drowning; 100% of schools to provide guidance on drowning prevention skills to students before the summer break; and to review all dangerous areas to erect warning signs, barriers, or implement other safety measures.

Besides the involvement of all levels and sectors, each parent needs to take greater responsibility in managing their children and proactively equip them with swimming skills. Proactive prevention is the most effective solution to prevent tragic accidents from happening, protecting the lives and futures of children.

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/trang-bi-ky-nang-phong-ngua-duoi-nuoc-3409675.html