Nhan Phuc Vinh, Ha Thu practice drowning prevention with 1,000 students

Actor Nhan Phuc Vinh, runner-up Ha Thu, and over 1,000 students learned about safe water levels and water breathing techniques at a drowning prevention workshop on the morning of 16/3.

The event took place at Nguyen Van Tran Primary School in Hung Long commune. It was part of a series of activities to establish 25 bookshelves for the "25 years of VnExpress - Journey of Open Knowledge" program. The training session was led by two former national swimmers, Luong Ngoc Duy and Nguyen Thanh Nam.

Runner-up Ha Thu and Nhan Phuc Vinh supervised students' underwater breath-holding. *Khenh*

Swimmer Luong Ngoc Duy introduced a water level rule to help children identify danger. According to him, water below the navel can be considered temporarily safe for children, while water above the navel poses a safety risk. This rule is crucial when children visit beaches, where water levels and waves change constantly.

"Knowing how to swim does not mean always being safe," he shared. "Therefore, setting a visual limit using one's own body will help children remember it longer and apply it more easily than abstract rules."

In addition to identifying water levels, students were warned about a common mistake: jumping in to save a friend in trouble. Luong Ngoc Duy reminded them, "You are still small and not strong enough to rescue someone in distress. The necessary action is to run and find an adult for help."

Students practiced breath-holding during the skill instruction session. *Duc Dong*

Children learned to recognize that chest-high water is unsafe. *Duc Dong*

Swimmer Luong Ngoc Duy asked students questions about water safety. *Duc Dong*

Swimmer Nguyen Thanh Nam spoke about safety rules. *Duc Dong*

Actor Nhan Phuc Vinh and runner-up Ha Thu then participated in the "breath-holding in a basin of water" practice with the students. The two former national athletes instructed on the technique of inhaling through the mouth on the water's surface and exhaling slowly through the nose while submerging their faces.

This method helps hold breath longer and prevents choking. Many students initially held their breath for only a few seconds, but after several correct practice attempts, they improved their performance to 45 seconds. Actor Nhan Phuc Vinh also demonstrated, achieving one minute.

Vo Thi Hong Thu, the school principal, stated that the training content was suitable as students prepare for summer vacation. She believes the presence of artists and national athletes generated excitement, helping children remember the knowledge more easily.

Parents can teach their children five water safety rules at home:

- Do not go to ponds, lakes, or swimming pools without an adult.

- Determine safe water levels using the navel as a guide.

- Inhale through the mouth on the surface, exhale slowly through the nose underwater.

- Help children recognize the depth of a swimming pool and the location of lifeguards.

- Alert the nearest adult if someone is drowning.

After the physical activities, the atmosphere became more reflective as guests and students shared their thoughts on reading culture. Responding to the question, "choose one book to recommend to a new friend," many students eagerly shared diverse titles, ranging from cookbooks and flower arranging to communication skills. Nhan Phuc Vinh and Ha Thu spent time talking with the children, inspiring their passion for reading.

On this occasion, the organizers donated 1,000 books and 5 new tablets to the school. Throughout the program, students were encouraged to share their thoughts and answer questions to reinforce their learning, receiving various school supply gifts. At the end of the session, classes enjoyed ice cream and milk together in the schoolyard.

Principal Hong Thu shared that the books and equipment will help the school complete its library facilities, aiming to meet students' knowledge exploration needs.

The "25 years of VnExpress - Journey of Open Knowledge" program is a community project organized by VnExpress newspaper in collaboration with Hope Foundation. The project aims to fundraise 25,000 books for 25 primary and secondary schools nationwide.