The ministry warned that children faced heightened dangers near rivers, streams, lakes, flooded areas, reservoirs and unsafe recreational sites during the 2026 summer and storm season.
Local authorities were instructed to strengthen enforcement of child safety measures, increase public awareness campaigns and provide children with water safety and accident prevention skills.
The ministry also urged provinces and cities to inspect and address hazardous areas such as ponds, deep water zones, construction sites and flood-prone locations by installing warning signs, barriers and safety patrols.
Authorities were encouraged to organise safe summer activities and expand swimming and water safety lessons, particularly for disadvantaged children and those living in areas with frequent drowning incidents.
The directive called for closer coordination among health, education, police and youth agencies in supervising children during the summer break and ensuring child safety in communities.
Hospitals and medical facilities were instructed to prepare emergency personnel, medicines and rescue equipment to respond promptly to drowning and injury cases, while healthcare workers and local communities would receive additional first-aid training.
The ministry also urged local governments to review evacuation plans and strengthen child protection measures in areas vulnerable to floods, landslides and other natural disasters.
Vietnam has recorded multiple serious child drowning incidents in recent years despite broader efforts to improve child injury prevention and safety awareness.
Five teenagers drowned in the Lo River in the northern province of Phu Tho on May 18 after a group of children aged 14 to 15 went swimming in the river at around 4 pm.
