These heartbreaking accidents not only leave a great loss for families, but also raise an urgent warning about strengthening measures to prevent injuries and drowning for children, especially in the context of summer 2026 and the approaching rainy and storm season.
The causes of child drowning accidents often stem from many factors: lack of swimming skills, lack of adult supervision, and subjectivity when approaching deep or fast-flowing water areas.
Statistics from the Ministry of Health show that on average, nearly 20,000 Vietnamese children die from drowning each year, ranking in the group with the highest mortality rate in the Western Pacific region. This figure reflects a worrying reality: Children are still not fully equipped with survival skills in the water environment, while potential risks such as ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, water holes, water storage facilities or spontaneous playgrounds that are not safe still exist in many places.
On May 18, the Ministry of Health issued an "urgent" official dispatch requesting the People's Committees of provinces and cities to direct the strengthening of measures to prevent and combat child injuries and drowning. In which, communication and raising awareness for families, schools and the community about the risk of drowning accidents is the central content. Children need to be guided on safety skills, skills to prevent accidents and drowning early. At the same time, localities need to review, plant warning signs, barriers and arrange reminder forces in dangerous areas to minimize risks.
Another key measure is swimming and rescue skills education. At the end of last year, the Ministry of Education and Training approved a safe swimming program for students, according to Decision No. 1717/QD-TTg, which is considered an important step forward. This program is designed to suit each level of education: From getting acquainted with water, learning basic safety skills, to physical training, advanced swimming skills, self-rescue and rescue of drowning people. Each lesson lasts from 60-90 minutes, helping children master survival skills in the water environment and basic first aid skills.
Making swimming an official subject in the physical education program will create motivation for schools, students and parents to seriously implement it, turning this skill into a "living shield" for children. However, to make swimming truly an essential subject in schools, efforts, investment and the joint efforts of society are needed.
Along with skills education, the family plays an indispensable role. Parents and guardians need to closely monitor when children play near the water environment, especially spontaneous areas or in the rainy and storm season.
The habit of reminding children of dangers and forming a sense of vigilance will help limit dangerous behaviors. At the same time, organizing safe and healthy summer activities, combined with fun, sports and learning life skills, will create conditions for children to both entertain and improve safety knowledge.
