Thin ice
With the onset of low temperatures, 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, there are fluctuations and temperature drops in the country's climate.
Stay informed:
- if the air temperature is above 0 degrees Celsius for more than three days, the ice strength decreases by 25%;
- ice is considered unsafe near river mouths and tributaries, near springs and outflows, near trees, bushes, and reeds;
- ice strength can be determined visually: blue ice is strong, white ice is half as strong, milky white or yellowish ice is unreliable, dirty, brown-gray ice is usually already thawed and completely unsafe;
- it is enough for a person to spend 15 minutes in cold water, and everything can end tragically; at temperatures from minus 2 degrees to zero, death can occur after ten minutes.
Potential victims of ice are amateur ice fishermen, as well as 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 especially alone.
Amateur winter fishermen need to be properly equipped - wear a life jacket or a special float suit, and take at least a minimum set of rescue equipment with you: a rope, a stick, a board, "crampons". Avoid being on the ice in bad weather: fog, snowfall, rain, as well as at night. Do not go on the ice alone, but 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 from each other.
Before going on the ice, make sure it is strong, use established ice paths. If there are none, standing on the bank, plan your route, take a sturdy long stick with you, and avoid suspicious areas. In case of typical signs of ice weakness: cracking, bending, water on the ice surface
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.