Swim classes launched to prevent drownings

Children in the south-central province of Khánh Hòa have been equipped with swimming skills thanks to free classes in an effort by the authorities to prevent child drowning.

Lê Đình Thuần, the deputy director of the provincial Department of Education and Training, said an innovative pilot initiative focusing on swimming training has been underway since 2017, having already drawn the participation of 96 local schools.

A network of sixteen swimming pools has been established within the premises of six primary and secondary institutions, a concrete testament to the authorities' dedication to the cause.

The local administration has amplified its communication efforts, mounting campaigns to elevate the understanding of families and communities, whilst also spotlighting the indispensable role of organisations and individuals in preventing child drownings.

Beyond this, there have been persuasive calls to the private sector, urging investment in swimming pool construction, while simultaneously encouraging families to seize the opportunity of enrolling their children in swimming classes.

In a comprehensive approach, the authorities have meticulously scrutinised areas predisposed to higher drowning risks, while also ensuring the establishment of warning signs and construction of protective fences around vulnerable rivers and seashores.

Đinh Văn Thiệu, vice chairman of Khánh Hòa Province People’s Committee, said the swimming classes not only help children improve physical health but also equip them with basic drowning prevention skills to protect themselves.

He said the education department needs to propose a plan to extend the pilot project on a bigger scale and allow schools with swimming pools to open classes for more students.

64 children drowned in Khánh Hòa Province between 2017 and 2020, mostly under the age of 13.