In recent days, in Lam Dong province, there have been consecutive drowning accidents involving children and students playing in river, stream, and waterfall areas.
Most recently, on the afternoon of May 28, H.T. B. M (16 years old, 10th grade student, residing in Gia Hiep commune) unfortunately slipped and fell into a deep abyss at Phu Xuan waterfall and died.
Previously, on May 24, P.T. N, a 6th grade student in Lang Biang ward - Da Lat, was also swept away by floodwaters while playing near the B'Nor B stream with a group of friends.
According to Senior Lieutenant Colonel Hoang Van Truong - Deputy Head of the Fire Prevention and Fighting and Rescue Police Department of Lam Dong Provincial Police, the summer vacation season is entering the rainy season, the water level in rivers, streams, and waterfalls in the area often changes suddenly, posing a very high risk of accidents.
Many areas have slippery terrain, deep abysses, and fast currents but have not been fenced or fully installed warning signs.
“In particular, during summer vacation, students often gather to play in groups in waterfalls, dams, and natural streams without adults accompanying them, leading to the risk of accidents. Along with the responsibility of the government and functional agencies, each family needs to have measures to manage their children to avoid possible injuries and drowning accidents,” Lieutenant Colonel Truong recommended.
Mr. Nhu Van Hoc - Chairman of Gia Hiep Commune People's Committee said that Phu Xuan waterfall is about 90km south of Da Lat, one of the still quite pristine waterfalls of Di Linh plateau.
This area is located between hills, coffee plantations and natural forests. The waterfall flows through many layers of rock, creating a majestic scene, especially in the rainy season when the water flows strongly.
Local authorities in the province, along with police and mass organizations, have strengthened propaganda and reminded people to raise their awareness of managing their children; and at the same time warned students not to arbitrarily bathe in streams, waterfalls or play in deep, dangerous water areas.
Functional agencies also request parents to regularly care for and manage their children during summer vacation; guide them on drowning prevention skills and promptly remind them when detecting children coming to potentially dangerous areas.
Localities are reviewing and supplementing warning signs, strengthening inspections in river, stream, and waterfall areas to minimize tragic accidents that may occur during the rainy and storm season.
According to statistics from functional agencies, from February 15, 2026 to now, Lam Dong province has recorded 17 drowning incidents, killing 18 people, including 8 children.
Currently, the whole province has about 500 large and small rivers and streams; nearly 2,000 reservoirs, irrigation dams, hydropower plants and about 50,000 artificial ponds and lakes serving agricultural production.
In many coffee, durian and vegetable growing areas, people spontaneously dig ponds to store water with large depths. However, many areas are not fenced off, lack warning signs and rescue equipment, posing potential safety risks during the rainy season.
