Nham Quang Van, captain of Rescue Team 116, states many children drown due to underestimating natural water risks, lacking survival skills, and improper rescue attempts.
Watching a livestream of five students missing in the Lo river, Truong Huu Khoa burst into tears, then drove his motorbike over 20 km to the scene, repeatedly diving into the deep water to find the victims.
The Ministry of Education must urgently complete the curriculum and organize swimming lessons for students in public schools, as requested by the Prime Minister.
A student drowned while swimming at a Song Lo river sandbank on the afternoon of 18/5, leading four friends to attempt a rescue; all five were swept away by the current and died.
Four students, aged 9-14, went swimming in Banh Lai river in Hoa My commune (formerly Phu Yen), were swept away by the current; three bodies have been recovered, and one student remains missing.
Nhi Dong 1 Hospital admitted three pediatric patients in cardiac arrest and deep coma due to near-drowning incidents while swimming with their families during the recent holiday.
During the three-day holiday from 29/4-1/5, National Children's Hospital admitted 4 children who had drowned, with incorrect initial first aid by adults leading to critical conditions and mechanical ventilation for some young patients.
Upon seeing a female student climb over the railing of Lang Rao suspension bridge and jump into Con River, two male students plunged into the water, bringing their struggling friend safely to shore.
Two grade 9 students, who went swimming together near a ferry terminal on the Tranh River, were swept away by the current and later died on the afternoon of 23/4.
Two 11-year-old brothers were swept over 50 meters from shore by waves while swimming at Cua Lo beach, but were safely brought to shore by rescue forces and local fishermen.
Le Thi Quynh Chi, 17, who died after diving into Cua Lo beach to save a friend swept away by waves, was posthumously awarded the "brave youth" badge by the Central Youth Union.
