The rate of child drowning in Viet Nam has dropped compared to previous periods thanks to the direction of the Party, National Assembly and Government and joint efforts of ministries, sectors and localities. 

In 2010, a total of 3,300 drowned. The figure reduced to 2,600 in 2015 and 2,000 in 2020. It means that the drown- ing rate among children dropped by 3-5 per cent each year, equivalent to 100 children. 

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However, drowning remains the leading cause of death for children in Vi?t Nam. The incident is more prevalent among boys than girls and children in rural areas than in urban areas. 

Recently, death by drowning has emerged as an urgent problem. There were serious cases where many children drowned together or came from the same family. 

The leading cause is the limited knowledge and awareness of ministries, agencies and the community, particularly parents and children. 

Children still lack knowledge and skills about drowning prevention and control. Only 30 per cent of children in Vi?t Nam know how to swim. The rate of children equipped with safety skills in water environments is also low. 

Child management and supervision are not currently effective. Most drowning cases happen when the children play or swim in areas banning swimming, or without adult supervision. Moreover, the living environment is still not safe. Many deep and dangerous ponds do not have warning signs, and many lakes and rivers do not have barriers. Many children even drown after falling into the water tanks of their own families. 

There is also a shortage of equipment, facilities and instructors to teach swimming and safety skills to children. 

Recently, the awareness of ministries and agencies on injury and drowning prevention and control for children has improved. 

The Prime Minister’s decision on child accident and injury prevention and control for 2021-2030 set a target of reducing the fatality rate caused by drowning and increasing the proportion of children being taught safety and swimming skill. 

All provinces and cities issued plans on child accident and injury prevention and control and allocated a budget for carrying out such plans. 

However, the budget earmarked for this task in some localities is still limited and not much investment was made in upgrading and building facilities. There is a lack of effective coordination between agencies and local organisations in reviewing high-risk areas and supervising children. 

We need to implement synchro- nous, multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary solutions. 

Initially, authorities of provinces and cities must seriously implement all directions of the Prime Minister, ministries and agencies in child drowning prevention and control. 

They need to issue specific plans on drowning prevention and control and regularly check, supervise and review high-risk areas, particularly deep water areas, to install barriers or warning signs to create a safe environment for children.