Thin ice can be dangerous

The ice has not yet fully covered the lakes and rivers, but many people are already venturing onto it. It is important to remember that for safe presence on the ice, its thickness must be at least 7 centimeters. It is also important to remember a number of other rules for safe behavior:

- do not go out on the ice unless necessary;

- before going out on the ice, make sure of its strength;

- if you need to cross a body of water, try to do so only in good visibility;

- do not walk on the ice along the shoreline, in places where streams and rivers flow in, snowdrifts, near factory and farm outlets, reeds and bushes;

- walk carefully

- without lifting your soles off the ice, checking the ice in front of you with a stick;

- do not go out on the ice in fog, snowfall, or rain.

If you fall through the ice:

- do not panic;

- call for help;

- try not to submerge your head in the water;

- get out in the direction you fell;

- spread your arms and crawl onto the ice with your chest;

- throw a leg onto the ice and roll away from the ice hole;

- after getting out of the water, do not rush to stand up, so as not to fall through again – crawl to the shore along your tracks.