Brian Jeffrey
A few days ago, on the afternoon of May 14, three youngsters decided to swim in Doc Xam Lake located in Tan Dan Commune, Soc Son District, Hanoi. Tragically, one child drowned, resulting in profound sorrow for family and friends.
Previously, on April 29, 2024, five students in the 11th grade went for a swim in the Red River beneath Vinh Tuy Bridge. Sadly, two of them were swept away and perished.
Major Le Tien Thanh, who serves as the Deputy Head of the Local Operations Unit at the Hanoi Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department (PCCC and CNCH), reflected on these heartbreaking incidents involving school-aged children in the capital.
Since the onset of 2025, Hanoi’s fire and rescue team has recorded seven incidents of drowning. Out of these, only one individual was rescued, with the other six having lost their lives.
During the public holidays from April 30 to May 1 of 2024, the city experienced eight drowning incidents, resulting in nine fatalities, predominantly involving adolescents and young adults.
As the school summer break approaches and temperatures rise, children are likely to engage in outdoor activities and swimming. However, without proper supervision and knowledge of water safety, these enjoyable moments may tragically transform into emergencies.
Having years of experience in rescue missions, Major Thanh emphasized the urgency of the “golden window” for saving drowning victims: the initial 4–6 minutes after the heart or lungs cease functioning is crucial.
If the brain goes without oxygen for this period, the damage to cells can be irreversible. Should the heart stop for more than six minutes, the victim’s chances of survival may come with severe neurological consequences, even if revived. Sadly, rescue teams often find themselves arriving after this critical window has closed.
To help ensure a safe and joyful summer, Major Thanh and the North Tu Liem Fire and Rescue Unit provided the following safety recommendations:
Children should never swim in rivers, lakes, ponds, or pools without adult supervision. They should refrain from playing, pushing, or roughhousing near deep water. Enroll them in swimming and water safety programs. Life jackets should always be worn during water-related activities or when boating. Parents must vigilantly supervise their children, especially around bodies of water.
Officials are also encouraged to place warning signs in high-risk locations and enhance community awareness about rescue and first aid practices.
Schools ought to integrate water safety skills into their extracurricular activities.
In emergency situations, if someone is drowning, call for emergency services (115) right away and avoid jumping into the water without proper skills or safety equipment. Utilize poles, ropes, life vests, or floating devices to assist in bringing the individual to safety. Afterward, check for breathing and pulse. If there is no response, start CPR right away and continue until professional assistance arrives.
