Funds needed to prevent young from drowning

The government has been urged to allocate more funds to fence off water hazards such as ponds, reservoirs and streams, especially in the countryside, after a string of fatal accidents involving children.

At least 21 youngsters have drowned in rural areas since June 20, including at a village in Nanchang, Jiangxi province, where two brothers, aged 5 and 10, and their 9-year-old sister died on June 26.

As in most other cases, onlookers said there were no barriers around the water to prevent children from gaining access.