Schools in Ho Chi Minh City have been instructed to ensure students travelling through rivers, streams and reservoirs are equipped with life jackets and safety gear.
Ho Chi Minh City requires pupils travelling to school through river and stream areas to meet regulated technical safety conditions (Illustrative photo: Nguyen Loan).
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training has ordered schools to strengthen safety measures for students travelling to and from school, particularly in areas affected by waterways and severe weather.
Under the directive, educational institutions must work with local authorities to urgently review routes and locations regularly used by students that may pose safety risks.
Areas requiring special attention include crossings over rivers, streams and reservoirs by boat, ferry, raft or other watercraft, as well as suspension bridges, temporary bridges, spillway crossings and locations vulnerable to landslides, flash floods, deep flooding or isolation during the rainy season.
Based on the review, schools and local authorities are required to develop specific safety plans for each location and for groups of students considered at high risk. The department stressed that students must not be allowed to travel through hazardous areas unless safety conditions are fully ensured.
Educational institutions have also been instructed to coordinate with Commune and Ward authorities, police, military units, mass organisations and other relevant agencies to provide guidance and assistance at vulnerable locations.
Where transport services are organised to carry students across rivers, streams or reservoirs, the vehicles must comply with technical safety regulations. Operators must possess appropriate qualifications, and all passengers must be provided with life jackets and flotation devices.
Students are required to wear and use this safety equipment throughout the journey.
Schools must also establish clear criteria regarding weather conditions, water levels and situations that require transport services to be suspended. Timely information must be provided to schools, parents and students to allow appropriate preparations.
The department has called on local authorities to conduct comprehensive reviews of the need for repairs and investment in bridges, roads and transport infrastructure serving students.
Priority is to be given to urgent and critical locations. For sites that cannot be upgraded immediately, local authorities are required to implement warning systems, traffic management measures, transport assistance or alternative travel arrangements suited to local conditions.
In addition, schools have been instructed to closely monitor weather conditions, natural disasters and traffic situations while maintaining regular communication with local authorities and parents.
In cases of heavy rain, flooding, landslides, road closures or other dangerous situations, schools must take proactive measures, prevent students from travelling through hazardous areas and promptly report issues beyond their capacity to handle.
Beyond travel safety, educational institutions have also been directed to inspect trees, drainage systems, shelters, perimeter walls and electrical systems to identify and address potential safety risks affecting teachers, staff and students.
