Hanoi residents cool off in river amid scorching heatwave

Seeking relief from the heat, crowds of residents went for a swim in the river on Thursday.

Along a section of the Duong River near Dong Tru Bridge, people gathered to swim and cool off amid the oppressive weather.

Nguyen Thi Thu, a Hanoian, said that during the summer months, she often chooses river swimming because it offers a closer connection to nature and leaves her feeling more refreshed.

However, Thu stressed that safety must remain a priority.

She advised swimmers to equip themselves with life jackets and goggles and to understand the river’s currents before entering the water.

“People who are new to river swimming should carefully study the terrain and warm up thoroughly before getting into the water,” she said.

“When entering the river, move in slowly instead of jumping from the bank, as there may be sharp rocks or dangerous obstacles beneath the surface."

Nguyen Thiet Son, a resident of Bo De Ward in Hanoi, also warned that river swimming can be risky without proper skills and preparation.

Swimmers should acclimatize to the water temperature gradually to avoid thermal shock, while also paying close attention to currents and choosing safe areas for swimming.

Hanoi on Thursday experienced cloudy skies with severe heat during the day, and is forecast to see showers and heavy rain in the evening.