During five meaningful days (04 – 08 May 2026) in Hue City, the international workshop “Basic Swimming Skills in Low-Resource Settings” created a valuable opportunity for experts, organizations, and delegates from around the world to exchange experiences, learn from one another, and strengthen collaboration in drowning prevention and water safety for children and communities.
The international workshop “Basic Swimming Skills in Low-Resource Settings” was successfully held at Park View Hotel and various practical training sites in Hue, Vietnam. This marked the first-ever international workshop on drowning prevention organized in Hue, bringing together global and local experts, practitioners, and organizations committed to improving water safety and preventing drowning worldwide.
The workshop was jointly organized by Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Hue Help, World Health Organization, and the Commonwealth Drowning Prevention initiative, under the sponsorship of RNLI.
The opening ceremony welcomed distinguished representatives from national and local authorities. Tran Dang Khoa delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the urgent need to address drowning as a major public health issue. The event was also attended by representatives from the Department of Education and Training of Hue, the Department of Foreign Affairs of Hue, and the Department of Culture and Sports of Hue City, demonstrating strong local commitment to drowning prevention and child safety.
The workshop gathered 55 delegates from more than 25 countries, including international experts, practitioners, and domestic representatives, all connected by a shared mission: promoting drowning prevention and improving water safety for children and communities, especially in low-resource settings.
Throughout the five-day program, participants engaged in technical sessions, group discussions, and practical training activities focused on delivering basic swimming and water safety programs in contexts with limited resources. The workshop created valuable opportunities for delegates to exchange international experiences, share effective models and approaches, and strengthen professional knowledge and collaboration.
In addition to indoor sessions, participants joined practical field activities at the swimming pool of Huong Xuan No.1 Primary School in Kim Tra, Hue, and at Bình An Beach in Phú Lộc, Hue. These site visits allowed delegates to learn directly from local experiences while exchanging practical solutions and teaching methods with one another.
More than a professional workshop, the event also became a meaningful platform for connection, cooperation, and friendship among organizations and individuals working toward safer communities around the world. Through shared learning and collaboration, participants developed practical ideas and action plans that can be adapted to their own local contexts.
Hue Help expressed pride and honor in co-organizing and hosting the first international drowning prevention workshop ever held in Hue. The organization extended sincere gratitude to Royal National Lifeboat Institution for its generous support, as well as to World Health Organization and the Commonwealth Drowning Prevention initiative for their close partnership and shared commitment.
Special thanks were also given to local schools, swimming teachers, students, speakers, facilitators, volunteers, and all participants who contributed to making the workshop meaningful, inspiring, and impactful.
As the workshop officially concluded on 8 May 2026, participants left Hue with strengthened partnerships, new knowledge, and shared inspiration to continue advancing drowning prevention and water safety efforts globally. The ideas, experiences, and connections built during these five days are expected to create long-term positive impact for children and communities in many countries.
Fortunately, delegates also had some time to explore our beautiful Hue City and visit famous local landmarks such as Dong Ba Market, the Imperial City, Truong Tien Bridge, and Thien Mu Pagoda, creating memorable experiences of Hue’s culture, people, and heritage alongside the workshop activities.
Hue looks forward to welcoming international partners and friends again in the future. Until next time in Hue!
