December 17, 2024
Since 2021, World Drowning Prevention Day events have been held in Hanoi every July. In 2024, these activities were expanded for the first time in Nghe An and Thua Thien Hue provinces. A series of activities were held to acknowledge local achievements in child drowning prevention and to raise public awareness about the associated risks.
On July 19, 2024, an inter-sectoral meeting was held to share the results of implementing solutions and models for child drowning prevention. The event featured the participation of Ms. Nguyen Thi Ha, Deputy Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, alongside leaders from the Nghe An Provincial People's Committee, officials from the Department of Child Affairs and representatives from relevant ministries and international organizations. Deputy Minister Nguyen Thi Ha emphasized, “Everyone is at risk of drowning; however, drowning is entirely preventable. Efforts to prevent accidents and injuries among children, particularly drowning, have consistently received the attention and support of the National Assembly, the Government, and various levels of local authorities. Our drowning prevention program focuses on implementing solutions and models to teach water safety skills to children and creating a safe environment for their protection.”
To commemorate World Drowning Prevention Day in Nghe An, the Family Drowning Prevention Day was successfully held at the provincial culture center of Nghe An, attracting hundreds of students. The event provided an engaging platform for families to participate in a variety of enriching activities, including games such as "Knowledge Cards," "Word Hunt," and "BOBO Swimming Passport." Participants—including parents, family members and children—had the opportunity to practice drowning rescue skills through the "Rescue Mission" activity, which simulated rescue techniques in emergency situations. These activities not only offered entertainment but also enhanced awareness and equipped families with practical skills related to water safety.
The Thua Thien Hue province also held Family Drowning Prevention Day activities supported by the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs. These activities aimed to enhance community awareness about drowning prevention while strengthening the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, including government agencies, families and schools, in promoting swimming education and drowning prevention efforts, ultimately contributing to a gradual reduction in drowning incidents. Through activities such as the painting competition titled “Children of Thua Thien Hue join hands to prevent drowning,” skits, water safety quizzes and public speaking contests, students were equipped with essential knowledge regarding safety measures when engaging in water activities, as well as skills for holistic development and accident prevention related to drowning.
