These days, every afternoon, the swimming pool at Tan Loc Primary School in Hong Loc commune, is filled with laughter. The free-swimming classes, organized by the local Youth Union and Tan Loc school, are open for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Each class consists of 15 to 20 children. Participants are taught basic swimming techniques, physical fitness, and water safety knowledge.
Nguyen Duy Tinh, a student at Tan Loc Primary School, shared: "I really enjoy learning how to swim here. We are taught swimming skills to prevent ourselves from drowning. Coaches also remind us not to go to ponds, lakes, rivers, or streams near our homes without adult supervision.”
Currently, a swimming course costs between 40–80 USD, an amount that is beyond the means of many poor families in rural and remote areas. Maintaining these free classes therefore requires strong commitment from school administrators.
Nguyen Ngoc Dung, Principal of Tan Loc Primary School, said: “Many students in our area come from difficult backgrounds. Therefore, every year our school organizes free swimming classes, attracting between 120 and 180 students.”
Local youth organizations have worked to identify and minimize risks at locations prone to drowning accidents. The close combination of classroom instruction, practical swimming lessons, and public awareness campaigns is creating a stronger safety net for children.
Nguyen Thi Hoai, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front branch and Secretary of Youth Union in Duc Tho Commune, said: “We have adopted plans directing Youth Union branches and coordinating with village authorities to inspect areas at risk of drowning and install warning signs. We also organize awareness campaigns and provide free swimming classes for students.”
Beyond teaching children how to swim, these swimming classes help improve children’s physical fitness and health. The model is being expanded and replicated throughout Ha Tinh province.
