Lack of warnings blamed for drownings in Da Lat

Drownings at Da Lat have raised questions over safety and rescue.

Da Lat Town in Lam Dong Province is well-known for its raw beauty and its waterfalls, but many visitors report there are no warning signs where the often fast-flowing water is deep and the path slippery with moss.

Early in July, a group of five were taking pictures at the Golden Spring Lake when a girl slipped and fell into the stream. Three others tried to save her, but they were all swept away. Rescuers found their bodies later that day.

The Golden Spring Lake is downstream from the Ankroet Power Plant and is especially dangerous during the rainy season when flash flooding is common.

Dangerous Golden Spring Lake

Hoang Anh Van, a local in Da Lat said, “This location is far from the residential area so it’s almost impossible to call for help if anything happens. I don’t understand why the authorities haven’t put up warning signs yet.”

Authorities of Lac Duong District said they would put up warning signs after carrying an inspection of lakes and streams in the area.

Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc, the deputy head of the Lam Dong Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, urged local authorities and managers of tourist sites to improve rescue services and raise awareness of particularly dangerous locations.

Lack of warnings blamed for drownings in Da Lat Related image(s)