When the buzzing cicadas and red flamboyant flowers bloom, signaling the beginning of summer, many parents are often worried that their children will forget their knowledge, so they rush to register for extra classes.
However, for children's development, a complete summer vacation is not only about learning knowledge but also about practical experiences that help them improve their skills and become more mature.
Equipping life skills is a necessary process for children to confidently step into life. A child with good life skills knows how to cope with unexpected situations and protect themselves.
Besides many necessary skills such as communication and first aid, swimming is always considered an important survival skill for children.
Vietnam has a dense system of rivers, ponds, lakes, canals and long coastlines. This is also an environment that potentially poses many risks of drowning for young children.
Community health experts and child protection organizations believe that teaching children to swim is not only a physical education activity but also an effective solution to prevent drowning accidents.
When taught to swim systematically, children not only know how to swim or perform basic swimming movements but are also equipped with skills to handle situations when encountering problems underwater, how to stay calm and safe drowning rescue skills.
Swimming also helps improve physical health, develop muscle groups, enhance flexibility and endurance. The process of exercising underwater also helps children train confidence, courage and perseverance.
Recognizing the importance of this skill, many localities, departments, and sectors across the country are implementing programs to popularize swimming and prevent drowning for children.
In many rural areas or areas with dense river and canal systems, free swimming classes are implemented by unions, functional forces and social organizations to create conditions for children to access necessary skills.
These activities not only help children have a safe and useful summer but also contribute to reducing worries for parents.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Thao, a resident of Hung Viet commune, Phu Tho province, shared: "This summer, I registered to learn swimming for my two children. Only over 1 million VND/course, but the children are taught until they become proficient in swimming skills. In my opinion, swimming is a necessary skill for everyone.
A meaningful summer vacation is when children balance learning and playing, and also have the opportunity to participate in life skills training activities.
In which, teaching children to swim is considered one of the practical choices, helping them develop more comprehensively and safely in life.
