Thin ice
As low temperatures set in, ice up to 3-5 cm thick is forming on most water bodies in Belarus. However, it is strictly forbidden to go out on ice less than 7 cm thick, as it is dangerous. Currently, the republic is experiencing fluctuations and sharp changes in temperature.
Be aware:
- if the air temperature stays above 0 degrees Celsius for more than three days, the ice strength decreases by 25%;
- ice is considered unstable near river mouths and tributaries, near springs and outflows, and near trees, bushes, and reeds;
- ice strength can be determined visually: blue ice is strong, white ice is half as strong, matte white or yellowish ice is unreliable, and dirty, brownish-gray ice is usually already thawed and completely unstable;
- a person only needs 15 minutes in cold water for the worst to happen; at temperatures between minus 2 degrees Celsius and zero, death can occur after just ten minutes.
Potential victims of thin ice are ice fishing enthusiasts and children. Parents must talk to their children about the dangers of playing on the ice and teach them how to act. The safest option is for them not to go out on the ice at all, neither under adult supervision nor alone.
Winter fishing enthusiasts need to be properly equipped – wear a life jacket and carry at least a minimal set of rescue equipment: a rope, a stick, a board, and "crampons". Avoid being on the ice in bad weather: fog, snowfall, rain, as well as at night. Do not go on the ice alone, and do not gather in groups on separate sections of ice. When crossing a water body in a group, maintain a distance of at least five meters from each other. It is not recommended to make ice holes closer than 5-6 meters apart.
Before going out on the ice, make sure it is strong, use established ice trails. If there are none, while standing on the shore, plan your route, take a sturdy long stick with you, and avoid suspicious areas. If typical signs of weak ice appear: cracking, bending, water on the ice surface – immediately return to the shore. Walk with your legs wide apart, without lifting them from the ice surface; if necessary, crawl. Never test the ice strength by stamping your foot.
If you fall through the ice, call for help, get out on the side where the ice is strongest, while crawling onto the ice with your chest, spreading your arms wide to increase the support area and reduce pressure on the ice edge.
If you see a person who has fallen through the ice (into an ice hole), shout that you are coming to help them; this will give them strength. If possible, as quickly as possible, report the incident to rescuers by calling 101 or 112, and while waiting for professionals to arrive, try to help the drowning person using improvised means, but do not approach the ice hole closer than 3-4 meters.