VietNamNet Bridge – Alarmed at the increasing number of drowning incidents in the Mekong Delta, primary teachers in Dong Thap Province’s Thap Muoi District began teaching hundreds of students how to swim in 2008.

Teachers teach students to swim in the Mekong Delta's Dong Thap Province. --Photo dantri.com.vn

The teachers at Hung Thanh 2 Primary School built a bamboo and netting enclosure to make a temporary “pool” in a local river after receiving approval from Hung Thanh Commune’s People’s Committee.

The swimming classes are free for students and local children.

Nguyen Thanh Tam, principal of the school, said the number of drowning cases usually increases during the flood season when most students row boats to school.

The swimming enclosure is 4m in width and 10m in length. Each class has about 50 students, most of whom are first graders.

Since the classes began, there have been no drowning incidents.        

Duong Van Hau, a fourth grader, said before attending the swimming course, he was afraid of getting in the river. Now, he feels confident when he rides on a boat or ferry.

VNS