When the cicada buzzing is also when summer vacation begins. Many students often invite each other to the Red River alluvial grounds to bathe and play. However, behind that coolness and spaciousness are unpredictable dangers, waiting to take their lives at any time.
Especially, in the communes along the Red River (Thao River) in Phu Tho, the scene of children swimming in the river is not uncommon. However, drowning is the leading cause of death in children in the summer. Many tragic accidents occur due to the carelessness and negligence of adults and the subjectivity of young children.
Just over 1 year ago (afternoon of November 18, 2024), a tragic drowning incident occurred at the Red River bank in Hien Quan commune, Phu Tho province, killing 5 8th grade students of Hien Quan Secondary School.
A group of 10 students invited each other to play on the alluvial ground, 6 children went swimming and drowned, 1 child was rescued, 5 children died. That obsession is a wake-up call for parents and students about the danger of the Red River alluvial ground.
Living by the Red River on the opposite bank of Hien Quan commune, Mr. Vu Dinh Thinh - a resident of Ngoc Thap area, Phong Chau ward - shared: "I understand the danger of the alluvial grounds on the river, so even if my child is good at swimming, I will forbid him from swimming in the river.
However, not everyone is aware of the dangers on the Red River. Many people believe that the alluvial ground is shallow, with fine sand, not as deep as in the middle of the river, so it will be safe. This is a deadly misconception.
Because the Red River is a large river, the underground flow is extremely complex. At alluvial grounds, the water may dry up here, but just a few meters away, it is already a deep pit (frog's mouth) due to sand being sucked away. Children when they miss a step will easily panic, have cramps and drown.
Along with that, the geology of river alluvial grounds is not fixed, and may subside unexpectedly. One place today is a flat sandy beach, tomorrow it may become a deep abyss after a night of strong currents.
Not only that, the compensation site is a place for accumulating garbage, shards of glass, bamboo stakes... causing dangerous injuries to children when running, jumping or swimming.
On hot summer days, river sections and alluvial grounds along the Red River become ideal swimming spaces in the eyes of young children. Just a few friends, a little recklessness, children can easily escape to the river without the supervision of adults.
Along with that, although local authorities have placed warning signs and barriers in many dangerous alluvial areas. However, when summer comes, information about drowning incidents on the river still appears.
Therefore, parents should absolutely not let young children play or swim on the Red River on their own, strictly manage their children's time during the summer, and teach them to recognize dangerous areas.
Currently, there are many swimming establishments in the province, parents should teach their children swimming and basic drowning rescue skills.
Summer is an opportunity for children to rest and play healthily. Don't be subjective and turn the poetic Red River alluvial ground into a nightmare. Let children have a safe, useful and laughing summer.
