VI
EN
This year's double holiday period, commemorating Hung Kings' Day and April 30th - May 1st, has seen a boom in various forms of beach entertainment. From beaches in the North to islands in the South, jet skiing, banana boat rides, flying sofas, and parasailing are becoming indispensable activities. However, behind the excited shouts and viral videos on social media lie deadly traps lurking for tourists.
At many tourist destinations, the process of experiencing extreme sports often happens at an alarmingly fast pace. For just a few hundred thousand dong, tourists are given life jackets, receive brief instructions, and immediately jump into the water. When the speedboat reaches speeds of 50 to 60 km/h, the crashing waves and strong winds create an exhilarating feeling of "flying." To add to the drama, many drivers deliberately make sharp 90-degree turns to toss the participants into the sea.
At speeds above 50 km/h, a fall into the water can cause serious injury if proper skills and safety equipment are not used.
At this high speed, the water's surface is no longer smooth but suddenly becomes as hard as a giant block of concrete. The impact force upon falling is enough to cause neck injuries, fracture the spine, or render the victim unconscious on the spot. This is no longer just entertainment but has become an extreme sport requiring strict safety procedures, yet these are often disregarded by both businesses and participants.
The pressure of "living virtually" and the misconceptions about experiences.
The appeal of these activities is currently exaggerated by social media platforms. Videos labeled "exhausting but fun" constantly attract large view counts, inadvertently creating a false notion that only thrill-seeking experiences constitute a true vacation. Even more worrying, many tourists still recklessly film themselves while the inflatable rafts are moving at high speeds. A slight jolt can cause them to lose control completely, fall into the water passively, and suffer serious consequences. According to beach rescue services, a significant portion of serious incidents stem from tourists being so engrossed in filming that they forget to protect their own lives.
In recent years, adventurous water sports have become a trend that many tourists want to experience.
The risks associated with water sports are not a distant warning but a reality, evidenced by heartbreaking statistics. A prime example is the accident on May 1, 2025, near Hon Kho Island (Quy Nhon), where a jet ski pulling an inflatable raft suddenly lost control and crashed into a swimming area, resulting in one fatality. Prior to that, a paragliding operator in Kien Giang also tragically died after being caught in a speedboat propeller. These incidents demonstrate that the line between a fun vacation and a fatal tragedy is separated by just a reckless maneuver or a moment of inattention.
A worrying reality today is that many water sports services operate spontaneously, without licenses or strict control. At some beaches, jet skis and inflatable boats still operate close to areas with large crowds of swimmers, increasing the risk of fatal collisions. Their accessibility and low cost lead many to underestimate the dangers of these sports. Furthermore, experts believe that most accidents stem from human factors: drivers lacking professional experience or equipment not being regularly maintained, putting customers' lives at extreme risk.
However, inadequate management and control have led to many unfortunate incidents.
5 "Golden" Rules for Protecting Your Life at Sea
To avoid turning your vacation into a traumatic memory, tourists need to stay alert and strictly adhere to vital safety principles. Firstly, only choose service providers with clear licenses, separate play areas from the beach, and on-site lifeguards. Secondly, always thoroughly check life jackets and other safety equipment before entering the water.
Third, strictly follow all instructions from the technician regarding proper posture and how to handle falling into the water. Fourth, say "no" to using your phone while participating in high-speed games. Finally, know your health limits and do not force yourself to participate if you have cardiovascular or musculoskeletal conditions.
Remember, protecting lives should always be the top priority. Don't let a moment of impulsiveness or following a trend turn you into a victim of avoidable tragedies this summer.
