Tragic drowning incidents
Statistics from functional sectors of Thanh Hoa province, from the beginning of 2026 to now, the whole province has had 5 drowning incidents that killed 5 children. Most of the incidents occurred when children went swimming in rivers, seas, ponds and lakes.
Typically, on January 18, at Cua Dat canal, Quy Loc commune, Thanh Hoa province, a drowning incident occurred, killing a child (7 years old). Following that, on March 19, a student (13 years old) while playing in the Mau Khe riverbank area (Thieu Quang commune) drowned.
On March 20, another drowning occurred in the Kenh Nam River (Tho Phu commune), killing a 13-year-old student.
On the afternoon of April 1st, 4 6th grade students in Truc Lam ward (Thanh Hoa) invited each other to swim in Hai Binh beach. Two students went home first, two students stayed and then went missing. By April 3rd, functional forces found the bodies of both.
Deploying many prevention solutions
According to Thanh Hoa Provincial Police, in 2025, the whole province recorded 17 drowning cases, killing 21 children, being one of the 4 localities (along with Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, Son La) with the highest number of child drowning cases in the country. From the beginning of 2026 to now, there have been 5 cases.
Faced with the increasing trend of child drowning, Thanh Hoa Provincial Police have directed professional units to coordinate with local police to strengthen propaganda and warning of risks, especially for students and children, and at the same time, organize commitment signing at residential areas and schools; review and plant warning signs in dangerous areas.
According to Captain Tran The Tuan - Deputy Head of Hai Binh Ward Police, the Ward Police force has regularly promoted propaganda and reminders in residential areas and schools; and at the same time installed warning signs in high-risk areas. In addition, functional forces are assigned to patrol and inspect regularly to promptly detect and handle possible situations. However, unfortunate incidents still occur.
To push back drowning accidents in children, functional forces propose that families and schools need to strengthen management and supervision of their children; absolutely do not let children voluntarily go swimming in rivers and seas when no adults accompany them.
Talking to a reporter of Lao Dong Newspaper, a representative of the leadership of Ngoc Trao Commune Police, Thanh Hoa province, said that the unit has just coordinated with the Fire and Rescue Team of Area 4 - Fire and Rescue Police Department, Thanh Hoa Provincial Police to organize drowning prevention and control propaganda for more than 5,000 students at Thanh Tam Secondary School.
Through the propaganda session, children are raised awareness and skills in handling drowning situations. At the same time, it is recommended not to swim in dangerous areas such as rivers, streams, ponds and lakes when no adults are accompanying, especially during the upcoming summer vacation" - a representative of Ngoc Trao Commune Police informed.
