The risk of drowning lurks at ecotourism destinations.

Don't be complacent or negligent.

Compared to previous years, the number of drowning incidents at river, stream, and waterfall tourist spots in the western communes has decreased significantly. However, the risk of accidents remains ever-present if local authorities and tourists lack vigilance and are complacent in ensuring safety.

Tien Phong commune boasts many beautiful waterfalls, most notably Sao Va waterfall and the seven-tiered waterfall complex, which are ideal ecotourism destinations. In the summer, locals and tourists often come to enjoy the scenery and swim in the waterfalls to cool off.

However, this area has rugged terrain, many high and slippery rocks, and the water is quite deep and fast-flowing. Carelessness can easily lead to slips, falls into the water, accidents, or being swept away. In fact, many drowning incidents have occurred in this area.

According to Ms. Cao Thi Ha Le, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Tien Phong commune, learning from the drowning incidents that occurred at Sao Va waterfall and the seven-tiered waterfall complex, the commune has proactively implemented many solutions to ensure the safety of tourists since the beginning of this year's tourist season. Warning signs have been added in areas with deep, fast-flowing water; swimming areas in the stream have been demarcated.

In addition, the commune requires tourism service businesses to sign commitments to strictly comply with safety regulations and actively promote and guide tourists to raise awareness of drowning prevention.

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Thanks to the coordinated implementation of measures, since the beginning of the 2026 tourist season, no drowning incidents have been recorded at tourist destinations in the area. However, the risk of accidents remains ever-present, especially during heavy rains when water levels rise, currents change, or when tourists are careless and swim in areas that have been warned as dangerous.

Ms. Cao Thi Ha Le - Vice Chairperson of the People's Committee of Tien Phong Commune

At Nha Vang Waterfall (Nhon Mai commune), we noticed that the path down to the waterfall was very steep and treacherous. There were many large and small slippery rocks in the stream, making it easy to slip and fall if one wasn't careful. Furthermore, the water at the base of the waterfall was quite deep, posing a risk of drowning if swimmers lacked swimming skills or didn't use life jackets or lifebuoys.

Over the past period, along with developing services in the waterfall area, Nhon Mai commune has consistently focused on ensuring the safety of residents and tourists by posting warning signs and promoting awareness campaigns on preventing drowning and injuries.

Not only in Tien Phong or Nhon Mai, but most river, stream, and waterfall tourist spots in the Mekong Delta pose potential safety risks if tourists are careless or lack skills.

However, thanks to the proactive efforts of local authorities in placing warning signs, designating safe swimming areas, and increasing public awareness and monitoring, no drowning incidents have been recorded at tourist spots in the area since the beginning of the 2026 tourist season. This is a positive sign, but we cannot be complacent about the ever-present risks in rivers, streams, and waterfalls.

Strengthening measures to prevent and combat drowning.

Along with installing warning signs, localities with tourist attractions such as rivers, streams, and waterfalls are continuing to tighten various measures to ensure the safety of residents and tourists.

The top priority is to review and identify areas with deep water, strong currents, slippery rocks, or landslide risks in order to place warning signs, erect barriers, and guide tourists away from these areas.

At many tourist destinations, businesses are required to provide sufficient life jackets, lifebuoys, rescue poles, rescue ropes, and remind tourists to wear life jackets when participating in water activities. Areas where swimming is permitted in streams are also clearly demarcated, separating areas for children and adults to minimize risks.

Ms. Kha Thi Hien, Vice Chairman of the Tam Quang Commune People's Committee, said: "To minimize the risk of drowning, the commune has worked with businesses in the stream area to agree on management measures. At the same time, we have required strict implementation of drowning prevention measures; provided sufficient life jackets for tourists; designated appropriate swimming areas; and regularly reminded tourists not to enter the water during bad weather or in dangerous locations."

In addition, many localities have increased the number of police officers, militia members, and youth union members on duty at tourist destinations during weekends, holidays, or times of high visitor numbers to promptly remind, assist, and handle any incidents that may occur.

When heavy rains occur, causing floods or unusual changes in water flow, tourist destinations proactively suspend swimming activities in streams, put up additional warning signs, and widely publicize the information so that tourists are aware and can take precautions.

Alongside management efforts, public awareness campaigns have been intensified through loudspeakers, billboards, posters, social media, and ticket and visitor reception points. The content focuses on advising tourists not to consume alcohol before entering the water; not to climb high rocks for photos; not to explore areas outside of permitted zones; and to always supervise young children throughout the recreational activities.

According to Mr. Tran Xuan Cuong, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, right from the beginning of the tourist season, the Department has directed specialized departments and localities to strengthen the implementation of solutions to prevent and combat drowning accidents at accommodation facilities with swimming pools, coastal resorts, rivers, streams, lakes, dams and waterfalls.

Inspection and monitoring activities have been intensified to promptly detect and correct units that have not fully complied with regulations on ensuring the safety of tourists.

The coordinated efforts of all levels and sectors have brought peace of mind to tourists visiting and experiencing eco-tourism destinations in western Nghe An. Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, residing in Thanh Vinh ward, said that her family recently had a trip to Con Cuong and Tien Phong communes, and what reassured her most was that all tourist spots had warning signs, life jackets, and guides.

Ecotourism along rivers, streams, and waterfalls is becoming an attractive product in western Nghe An province. However, for each trip to be a truly memorable experience, besides the involvement of the government and service businesses, the most important factor remains the awareness of each tourist. Only by adhering to safety regulations and not being complacent about the risks of the natural environment can these refreshing waterfalls truly become safe destinations.

Cong Kien