Over five children drown in Vietnam on a daily basis, according to statistics from the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids, and Social Affairs.

Approximately 2,000 children under 16 years old in the Southeast Asian country drown every year in the 2016-20 period.

Although the number of fatalities decreased by 100 each year, drowning remains one of the leading causes of death in children.

The Vietnamese prime minister has approved a national action program aimed at preventing accidents and injuries in children in the 2021-30 period, which includes a goal to reduce drowning in children by 10 percent by 2025 and 20 percent by 2030.

The program consists of many solutions to control and minimize accidents and injuries, especially drowning, in children.

According to Dang Hoa Nam, head of the department of children's affairs under the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids, and Social Affairs, many children have drowned after falling into lakes or ponds that are not barricaded or lack warning signs.

The lack of guidance and supervision from adults is also one of the main reasons.

In addition, many kids are not equipped with proper swimming skills and water competency to help them survive situations that can lead to drowning, Nam elaborated.

To provide them with these necessary skills, a specific course, which costs about US$30, has been designed and will be offered in many localities and swimming pools in the country.

The United Nations General Assembly previously passed a resolution on drowning prevention and designated July 25 as World Drowning Prevention Day.

The World Drowning Prevention Day was marked by nearly 80 nations for the first time this year.

On this day, UN member states share their experience and promote the development of innovative tools and technologies to prevent drowning.

Lessons in water safety, swimming, and first aid will be incorporated into school curriculums around the world.

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