Swimming classes organised for Hanoi’s elementary students

To reduce the number of unfortunate accidents, Hanoi has been organising swimming classes for elementary school students

Thao Vy is a 2^nd grade student in Khuong Mai Elementary School, Thanh Xuan District. Like her classmates, she really enjoys this swimming class. Here, children are taught basic swimming skills, and how to be safe in the water.

Trinh Thao Vy, student of Khuong Mai Elementary School said: “This is my second time at the pool. The teachers taught me how to breathe in water and how to float”.

Vu Van Trong, swimming instructor said: “The first class, we teach them how to breathe, the second class is for moving underwater. The third class is arm and leg coordination. It depends on each student, some only need 2 or 3 classes. Some need 10”.

There are 10-15 classes in each swimming course. Students will be given a certificate at the end of the course. For the ones who still can’t swim, classes will continue until they succeed. This is the first year Thanh Xuan district has carried out a swimming programme for elementary school students. The District’s People’s Committee sponsored part of the fees, in an attempt to provide the best learning conditions for students.

Pham Gia Huu, director of Thanh Xuan District’s Dept. of Education and Training said: “After our research, we found that some schools are too far away from swimming pools, and travelling there will interfere with their studies. We are currently organising a smart swimming pool model for these schools”.

Districts in Hanoi are calling for more investment to build swimming pools at elementary schools, and are also trying to get swimming on the curriculum.

Nguyen Hiep Thong, deputy director of Hanoi City’s Dept. of Education and Training said: “In July, we will work with schools in the area to find out which school will have a normal swimming pool, and which will have smart ones. Some schools can cooperate with companies to create a recreational area, with indoor pools so children can even swim in winter”.

According to the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, 9 Vietnamese children drown everyday. This number will decrease significantly if the swimming program in schools is carried out effectively.