China's Ministry of Education on Sunday released an urgent circular ordering local educational departments to boost school faculties' and students' safety awareness following three drowning cases -- all occurred on Saturday.
According to the circular, a total of 16 students drowned on Saturday when swimming in the river or playing near the river. Seven were middle school students in Shandong Province, five were primary school students in Hunan Province, and four were middle school students in Heilongjiang Province.
Cases of student drowning mostly happened either after school or in weekend and holidays, said the circular, adding that many occurred in unwatched rivers or ponds in rural areas.
The ministry urged local educational authorities to publicize the recent drowning cases to "every primary and middle school within their jurisdictions" to alert faculties and students and gear up safety measures.
The ministry also said that parents and custodians should take care of their children and promote their safety awareness, especially after school and in holidays.
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