Ha Duc Minh Thao and VoVan Vinh with Max, 5, Mia, 4, and Caylan, 4. Photo, Leader Newspaper.

Ha Duc Minh Thao and VoVan Vinh with Max, 5, Mia, 4, and Caylan, 4. Photo, Leader Newspaper.

Two of Swim Vietnam’s swimming instructors have travelled to Melbourne, reports the Moonee Valley Leader Newspaper.

See below for the full story.

Swim Vietnam instructors Vo Van Vinh and Ha Duc Minh Thao were at Paul Sadler Swimland for an exchange program to learn water safety skills and techniques.

Not- for- profit organisation Swim Vietnam built the country’s first swim and survive centre in Hoi An in September last year and aims to teach 3500 students a year.

Paul Sadler Swimland has teamed up with the organisation to share teaching methods between the two countries.

Founder Paul Sadler said they wanted to give children access to lessons.

‘‘Shockingly, more than 26,000 children* drown every year in Vietnam, with drowning the leading cause of death in children over the age of one,’’ he said.

Swim Vietnam founder Jo Stewart said the swim program has enabled them to help teach more children survival skills.

‘‘Through the exchange program, our Vietnamese teachers will be trained in best practice and we believe this will help to reduce this tragic loss of life,’’ Ms Stewart said.

* UPDATE:

Jo Stewart from Swim Vietnam adds that, “The boys just got back late last night so I have not had a chance to talk to them.  But I heard it was a great trip.  It is a great experience for them and will also really help the program.

(Unfortunately, this article says 26,000 (drownings) per year. 26,000 per year would be over 70 a day!  The situation is terrible, but I have never seen any report giving stats like these.”