5 Common Misunderstandings About Drowning – What Every Parent in Vietnam Should Know

Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death among children in Vietnam. Despite growing awareness, many people still hold dangerous misconceptions about water safety, which can put lives at risk. Understanding the truth about drowning can help prevent tragic accidents and keep families safe.

Here are five common myths about drowning and provide essential safety tips for parents and caregivers.

❌Myth #1: “Only people who can’t swim drown.”

One of the biggest misconceptions is that drowning only happens to people who don’t know how to swim. While learning to swim is an important life skill, it does not make a person immune to drowning.

✔️The Truth

Even experienced swimmers can drown due to:

• Exhaustion: If a person is swimming for too long, they can become too tired to stay afloat.
• Cramps: Muscle cramps in deep water can make it difficult to move or stay above the surface.
• Rip Currents: These powerful water currents pull swimmers away from shore, making it dangerous to fight against them.
• Wrong Swimming Techniques: Some swimming styles, like the butterfly stroke, use a lot of energy and are not suitable for survival situations. In emergencies, techniques like floating on the back or swimming with minimal effort (e.g., breaststroke) can be more effective.

Even if your child knows how to swim, they should still be closely supervised near water.

❌Myth #2: “Drowning only happens in water.”

Many people assume that once a drowning victim is pulled from the water, they are safe. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

✔️The Truth

Some types of drowning can occur hours or even days after a person has left the water. These include:

• Dry Drowning: This happens when water causes the throat muscles to spasm and close up, making it difficult to breathe.
• Secondary Drowning: This occurs when water gets into the lungs, leading to inflammation and breathing problems that can worsen over time.

These conditions are rare but can be fatal if not treated. Signs to watch for after a water accident include:
✅ Persistent coughing
✅ Difficulty breathing
✅ Chest pain
✅ Extreme tiredness
✅ Vomiting or foamy saliva

If someone shows these symptoms within 72 hours after a water-related incident, seek emergency medical help immediately.

❌Myth #3: “People who drown always call for help.”

Movies and TV shows often depict drowning as a dramatic event with victims screaming and waving their arms. In reality, drowning is often silent and quick.

✔️The Truth

When someone is drowning, their body is focused on trying to breathe, not calling for help. They may:

• Struggle to keep their head above water
• Be unable to wave their arms because they are trying to push themselves up
• Look like they are bobbing up and down without making noise

Drowning can happen in crowded pools or beaches without anyone noticing. Parents should always watch children closely when they are in or near water, even in familiar environments like public pools.

❌Myth #4: “If I know how to swim, I can save someone from drowning.”

Many people believe that as long as they are good swimmers, they can safely rescue someone in trouble. This assumption can be extremely dangerous.

✔️The Truth

A drowning person is in panic mode and may instinctively grab onto anything—including their rescuer. If not handled correctly, this can result in both the victim and the rescuer drowning.

Instead of jumping into the water, try these safer rescue methods:

1. Call for help – Alert lifeguards or emergency responders immediately.
2. Throw a floating object – Toss a life jacket, pool float, or even an empty plastic bottle to the victim so they can hold on.
3. Use a reaching tool – Extend a long object like a stick, towel, or rope for them to grab onto.
4. Perform CPR if needed – If the person is unconscious after being rescued, start CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) while waiting for medical help.

Only trained professionals should attempt in-water rescues unless there are no other options.

❌Myth #5: “Drowning only happens in lakes, rivers, or the sea.”

Most people associate drowning with large bodies of water, but children can drown in as little as 10 cm of water.

✔️The Truth

Young children can drown in:

• Bathtubs
• Buckets or basins of water
• Toilets
• Inflatable kiddie pools

Since toddlers have heavy heads, they can easily tip over into a container and be unable to lift themselves up. Drowning in these small amounts of water is often silent and can happen in seconds.

Water Safety Tips for Parents:
✅ Never leave children unsupervised near any water source, even for a few seconds.
✅ Always empty buckets and bathtubs immediately after use.
✅ Keep toilet lids closed and consider using childproof locks.
✅ If you have a small pool, drain it after use or cover it securely.

How Can We Prevent Drowning?

Understanding the risks of drowning is the first step toward preventing it. Here are key safety measures every parent and caregiver should follow:

✔ Supervise Children At All Times – Never take your eyes off young children around water, even if they know how to swim.

✔ Teach Water Safety Early – Enroll children in swimming lessons and teach them how to float and stay calm in water.

✔ Use Proper Safety Gear – Ensure children wear life jackets when playing near large bodies of water.

✔ Set Water Rules – Teach kids to never run near pools, never swim alone, and always ask for permission before going near water.

✔ Learn CPR – Knowing basic first aid and CPR can save a life in an emergency.

✔ Be Cautious Around All Water Sources – Whether it’s a beach, a river, or even a bucket at home, always be aware of drowning hazards.

Final Thoughts

Drowning is fast, silent, and preventable. By understanding the facts and taking the right precautions, we can protect our children and reduce drowning risks in Vietnam.

🎯 Remember: Supervision, awareness, and education save lives!

📢 Share this article to spread awareness and help prevent drowning tragedies!