A major step forward in drowning prevention was marked on 26 May 2026 with the launch of the first survival sinking club in Cần Thơ City. The event was organised by the Management Board of the project “Climate Resilience in Cần Thơ City” and brought together 20 physical education teachers from 11 primary schools across An Thạnh and Cù Lao Dung communes for an intensive training in the life-saving technique of survival sinking.

Survival sinking is a simple yet highly effective water survival technique that allows individuals to conserve energy while staying afloat. By working with the natural buoyancy of the water, a person can rhythmically lift their head to breathe and then relax back into the water, enabling them to remain afloat for extended periods while awaiting rescue. The technique requires minimal effort, making it an invaluable skill for both children and adults.

What makes this technique particularly special is that it was developed by a Vietnamese expert. Dr. Phạm Quang Thiện first explored and refined the method during his own swimming practice and has since dedicated himself to sharing it with communities across the country. Today, survival sinking is proudly recognised as a Vietnamese innovation in water safety and drowning prevention.

The training in Sóc Trăng was personally led by Dr. Thiện, who guided participants through two days of demonstrations, practical exercises, and hands-on coaching. Through determination and practice, all 20 teachers successfully completed the course and mastered the fundamental techniques. Several participants even progressed to more advanced levels, demonstrating confidence and skill in the water.

Beyond equipping teachers with valuable life-saving skills, the initiative lays the foundation for a wider community movement. The newly established survival sinking club will serve as a platform for continued learning and practice, while trained teachers as core agents will share the technique with fellow educators and introduce it to students in their schools.

By empowering teachers as pioneers of water safety, the project is helping to build safer communities and contributing to local ongoing efforts to prevent drowning among children and families in the Mekong Delta. Every person who learns survival sinking technique represents another step towards a future where more lives can be saved through knowledge, preparedness, and resilience.