Only 5.3% of primary school students in Nghe An province have learned to swim.

At the workshop, the Department of Education and Training reported on the results of implementing the Plan for preventing injuries and drowning accidents among primary school students in 2017. Accordingly, currently, 540 primary schools throughout the province (100%) have implemented the safe school program and provided education on injury and drowning prevention through various methods.

Furthermore, only 13,952 out of 261,380 (5.3%) primary school students have learned to swim and possess water safety skills; 32 primary schools have implemented swimming lessons for students, including 7 schools that teach swimming on-site and 25 schools that collaborate with centers in the area to organize swimming lessons.

The workshop was attended by representatives from the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, the Department of Culture and Sports, relevant departments and agencies, and representatives from the Education and Training Departments in the province. Photo: My Ha

The units also organized 65 club activities and educational and propaganda sessions such as dramatizations, traffic safety exchanges, and drowning prevention... Simultaneously, these activities were integrated into various events such as weekly and weekend group activities, flag-raising ceremonies, and extracurricular programs.

However, the implementation of the plan has faced many difficulties so far, mainly regarding infrastructure and the lack of sustainable coordination between schools, families, and the community. The socialization of swimming instruction for students is still limited, and the number of teachers with swimming instructor certifications is low (8 teachers)...

During the discussion, many delegates also shared experiences and lessons learned regarding the prevention of drowning accidents and injuries in their localities. They also affirmed that organizing swimming lessons for children in schools should be implemented as an essential survival skill.

Teaching swimming to students at Anh Son Town Primary School using a portable swimming pool. (Photo: Archival image)

To continue and strengthen education on preventing injuries and drowning among children, the following solutions should be focused on in the coming period: improving the responsibility and effectiveness of management and guidance; building and replicating models of safe homes, safe schools, and safe communities; and integrating content on preventing injuries and drowning into teaching and learning activities.

In addition, it is necessary to strengthen communication and education to raise awareness among students, parents, and the community; enhance efforts to mobilize social resources in the prevention of accidents, injuries, and drowning; and build and supplement facilities and equipment for schools… At the same time, training should be provided to improve the capacity of school administrators and teachers.