Training on the implementation of the child drowning prevention project

Training students in practicing first aid techniques for drowning prevention

The project focuses on activities such as communication campaigns, training in lifesaving skills, safe swimming lessons, and building capacity for local instructors and monitoring staff. Approximately 1,440 children aged 6 to 15 from 6 project-targeted communes and wards, including My Thuong, Phu Vinh, Phu Vang, Hung Loc, Loc An, and Phu Loc, are expected to directly benefit from free swimming classes and skill-building education activities. Through this project, Hue City aims to reduce accidents and injuries, contributing to protecting children in the coming flooding season.

Speaking at the conference, Assoc. Dr. Tran Kim Hao, Director of the Department of Health affirmed that drowning remains one of the leading causes of death among children in Vietnam, especially in rural areas and regions with complex terrain and a high number of rivers and lakes, such as Hue City. On average, more than 2,000 children nationwide die from drowning each year, mostly due to a lack of water safety skills and inadequate adult supervision.

As for Hue, in the first 7 months of 2025, the city recorded five cases of child drowning deaths. Although this represents a decrease compared to the same period last year, the figure still serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the urgent need for stronger and more decisive action.

Building on the achievements of 2024, this conference aims to introduce the 2025 activity plan of the project and clearly define the roles and coordination mechanisms among relevant stakeholders in implementing comprehensive intervention measures. The goal is to raise community awareness and equip children with drowning prevention skills, thereby reducing unfortunate accidents.