Children jump from a height of 5m, crawl through sewers to bathe in a canal
The Dao Ba canal to Do Luong, which flows through Yen Thanh district, has been the scene of many tragic drowning incidents. However, many children still dare to jump from a height of 5 meters to get through dangerous underground sewers.
According to observations at the Phuc Tang culvert area in Hoa Thanh town (Yen Thanh), on a hot afternoon in early summer, many children gathered here. Many children did not hesitate to climb up the culvert mouth about 5m high, then jump straight into the water below and risk their lives to crawl through the underground steel culvert system nearly 4m long.
The manhole has 3 large doors, the water flows rapidly, and is often clogged with garbage. This is an extremely dangerous area, easily causing drowning or getting stuck when passing through.
A child named NVD (14 years old), residing in Hoa Thanh town shared: “At first I was scared, but now I’m used to it. We jumped and crawled through the sewers to find thrills.” His innocent story made everyone who heard it shudder, because just one small mistake, this game can cost one’s life.
It is worth mentioning that although this situation happens frequently, almost no one reminds or stops the children. Parents cannot control their children, and adults around are also indifferent. Even at the bridge in Tang Thanh commune that crosses this canal, many children climb up the bridge railing and jump off, regardless of the danger.
At the N8 canal section – where water from Do Luong bara flows to Yen Thanh town – it is about 10m wide, more than 2m deep and has at least 2 whirlpools. Hundreds of children still bathe here every day, but there are no signs warning of drowning or safety measures such as life jackets or lifelines.
Mr. Hoang Van Tuan - Head of the Health Department of Yen Thanh district, said: "The whole district has more than 220 lakes, dams, canals, rivers and streams, which always pose a risk of drowning in the summer. Right from the beginning of the hot season, the district has issued documents and telegrams on drowning prevention and deployed them to communes and schools to promote propaganda work and raise public awareness about drowning prevention and control in the summer."
Mr. Tuan also emphasized: “We recommend that parents absolutely do not let their children swim in rivers, canals, ponds, or lakes without an adult accompanying them. Families need to equip their children with life jackets and teach them escape skills when encountering dangerous situations in the water.”
Despite the involvement of the authorities, the reality shows that the propaganda work is still not really effective. Many parents do not control their children, while the community's awareness of drowning safety is limited. Without a more comprehensive and drastic solution, children's risky games by the canal will have unpredictable consequences./.
