Thin ice

As temperatures drop, 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 weak near river mouths and tributaries, in areas with springs and outflows, 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, grayish-brown ice is usually already thawed and very weak;

- a person only needs 15 minutes in cold water for the most tragic outcome, and at temperatures from minus 2 degrees to zero, death can occur after 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 out 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 holes closer than 5-6 meters apart.

Before going out on the ice, make sure it is solid, and use established ice trails. If there are none, mark your route from the shore, take a sturdy long stick with you, and avoid suspicious areas. If you notice typical signs of weak ice, such as cracking, bending, or water on the ice surface, immediately return to the shore. Walk with your legs spread wide, 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 and try to get out on the side where the ice is strongest, crawling onto the ice with your chest and spreading your arms wide to increase your support area and reduce pressure on the ice edge.

If you see someone 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, report the incident to rescuers as quickly as possible by calling 101 or 112, and while waiting for professionals to arrive, try to help the drowning person using available means, but do not approach the ice hole closer than 3-4 meters.