Bangkok: The government has issued a warning to parents to be vigilant in preventing child drownings during the school break.
According to Thai News Agency, the government has emphasized the importance of ensuring that water-related activities are both enjoyable and safe for children during this period. In 2024, data revealed that 173 children tragically drowned during the school break, resulting in fatalities.
Mr. Anukul Prueksanusak, deputy government spokesman, highlighted that with many schools now on break, children have more free time, coinciding with hot weather conditions that encourage them to play in natural water sources. Without proper supervision, this can lead to accidents such as slipping, falling into water, and drowning. The Strategy and Planning Division of the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health, reported that from March to May 2024, 173 children under 15 drowned, averaging nearly two per day. March alone saw the highest number, with 70 drownings, followed by April with 58 and May with 45.
Regarding the demographics of these tragic incidents, children aged 10-14 accounted for the highest percentage of drowning deaths at 39.3%, followed by ages 5-9 at 32.4%, and ages 0-4 at 28.3%. The male drowning rate was found to be 2.8 times higher than that of females. Nakhon Ratchasima, Pattani, Sisaket, and Udon Thani were identified as the provinces with the highest death tolls. The Drowning Report System of the Injury Prevention Division, Department of Disease Control, noted that agricultural and natural water sources were the most common sites of child drownings, comprising 72.3% of cases, with dams, reservoirs, and weirs at 10.9%, and swimming pools and water parks at 5.8%. Playing in the water was cited as the predominant cause, followed by slipping and falling.
Mr. Anukul stressed the need for cooperation from all sectors to monitor and prevent drowning accidents, ensuring children can enjoy a safe school break. He advised parents to supervise young children closely and teach older children water safety rules. Communities are encouraged to monitor and manage risky water sources, while water tourism sites should implement safety measures such as warning signs, life jackets, and lifeguards. Mr. Anukul reiterated the importance of using the 'shout, throw, reach out' measure instead of jumping into the water to help someone in distress.