Children play a game at the event. Photo courtesy of organisers. The activities included games such as face painting, flashmobperformances themed on water safety, interactive games like "Knowledgecards", word-chasing, swimming buoy decorations, and more.
Parents also practised lifesaving skills with their childrenthrough the activity "Rescuing people".
Through activities and games, participants developed practicalunderstanding of the child drowning situation in Vietnam, the importance ofequipping children with water safety skills, as well as the role of families,parents and custodians in drowning prevention.
The event also aimed to respond the World Drowning Prevention Day(July 25), which was hosted by the Department of Child Affairs in collaborationwith Bloomberg Philanthropies, the World Health Organisation and the CampaignFor Tobacco-Free Kids of the United States.
The World Drowning Prevention Day takes place at the peak ofsummer in Vietnam.
Every year, drowning takes the lives of nearly 2,000 children in Vietnam.Although the number of children dying from drowning has decreased in recentyears, it is still one of the top 10 causes of death for children under 16years old.
Children aged six to 15 are in the highest risk group for drowningwhen playing in rivers, lakes, ponds or beaches. In many cases, children getinto accidents while trying to save their friends from drowning. The number ofboys drowning is higher than that of girls. Children under the age of five aremore likely to drown near or close to their homes, in lakes, rivers, streams,and canals, including puddles at construction sites.
“The theme of this year's World Drowning Prevention Day is 'AnyoneCan Drown, No-One Should’,” said Dr Angela Pratt, Chief Representative of theWorld Health Organisation (WHO) in Vietnam.
“Worldwide, more than 236,000 people die from drowning each year.The WHO recommends that the Vietnamese government focus on teaching school-agechildren basic swimming skills, water safety skills and safe water-savingskills.
These are cost-effective measures that have been proven effectivein significantly reducing the risk of drowning and protecting children's lives.This is extremely important for children from the age of six to grow up safeand healthy.
Safe swimming skills not only follow them for life but also becomea healthy way to improve physical fitness.”
Dr Pratt also emphasised the important role of all stakeholders injoining hands to prevent child drowning prevention. She highly appreciated Vietnamfor the strong commitment from the National Assembly, the Government,ministries, localities, the community, and parents./.
VNA
