What to remember in winter

Most children, and adults too, eagerly await winter to go sledding, ice skating, and play hockey, which is why people often neglect all safety rules.

Ice on water bodies is a high-risk zone. Every year, a huge number of people die precisely because of non-compliance with safety regulations when on the ice of water bodies.

Even if you are familiar with the water body, remember:

  • under no circumstances should you go out on the ice in the dark or in poor visibility (fog, snowfall, rain);
  • parents are strongly urged not to let children go on the ice unsupervised;
  • do not test the strength of the ice by kicking it;
  • when moving on the ice in a group, maintain a distance of 5-6 meters between individuals, do not rush, and do not crowd in one place;
  • if you are carrying a load, hang it over one shoulder, which will allow you to easily get rid of it if necessary;
  • it is forbidden to walk on water bodies with the onset of spring warmth. The ice quickly begins to melt, especially along the banks, around bushes and reeds;
  • do not jump onto a detached ice floe, it has a tendency to easily overturn, so you can end up in the water in a matter of minutes.

One of the most common causes of tragedies on water bodies is alcohol intoxication: people react inadequately to danger and become helpless in an emergency situation.

If a person falls into the water, you should:

  • do not panic;
  • do not lean your whole body on the thin ice edge, as it will break off under the weight of your body;
  • spread your legs wide to avoid plunging your head into the water;
  • lean on the ice with your elbows and, bringing your body into a horizontal position, try to throw the leg closest to the edge onto the ice, then, by turning your body, pull out the second leg and quickly roll onto a solid surface;

  • crawl as far as possible away from the danger zone in the opposite direction without sudden movements;
  • call for help;
  • staying on the surface of the water, try to expend less physical effort on this;
  • while afloat, keep your head as high above the water as possible
  • having reached the shore, you should immediately try to change into dry clothes and warm up.

Be vigilant! Take care of yourself and your loved ones.

Senior Assistant to the Vitebsk Transport Prosecutor, Junior Justice Advisor E.A. Kazakova