A training course to improve inter-ministerial intervention activities against drowning in children was held in central Da Nang city on November 7.

The two-day event, jointly held by the Child Care and Protection Department under the Ministry of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs and the World Health Organisation, attracted participants from the Ministry of Education and Training, the Ministry of Transport and nine cities and provinces in the central and Central Highlands region.

According to the Child Care and Protection Department, drowning is the leading cause of deaths in children.

On average, ten children drown every day, accounting for nearly 50 percent of accidental deaths.

Statistics have shown that the number of fatalities due to drowning increases during summer holidays and the flood season.

Children’s lack of awareness in the matter is one of the reasons to the problem. Furthermore, unsafe living environment, the lack of adult supervision and poverty are also behind the situation.

Following an inter-ministerial plan against child drowning for the 2012-2015 period which was issued last year, ministries, branches and localities have organised more than 2,500 swimming classes for 60,000 children aged between 6 and 16.

(Source: VNA)