It is common knowledge that the best way to relax is by the water. However, unfortunately, water can bring not only pleasure but also tragic consequences. With the onset of the swimming season, especially if the summer is hot, the number of people relaxing at water bodies sharply increases, and the number of accidents proportionally rises. The majority of such incidents still occur due to swimming while intoxicated, swimming in prohibited areas, or due to an inability to swim despite a strong desire to do so.
A separate mention is necessary regarding places prohibited for swimming. In accordance with the decision of the Lepel District Executive Committee of March 22, 2021, "On the designation of places for mass recreation of citizens in the Lepel District," the areas designated for mass recreation of citizens by water in the Lepel District are the territory within the boundaries of the city beach on Lake Lepel, the territory within the boundaries of the beach of the State Institution "Lepel Military Sanatorium" on Lake Bobritsa, and the territory within the boundaries of the beach of the State Enterprise "DROC 'Zhemchuzhina'" on Lake Shchybot.
This same decision prohibits swimming in the following locations: from the pontoon bridge of the city park, bridges within the town of Lepel, at the Lepel Hydroelectric Power Station, and in excavated ponds intended for fire water supply for the district.
According to Article 24.42 of the Code of Administrative Offences (KoAP), swimming in prohibited areas of rivers, lakes, or other water bodies entails a fine ranging from one to three basic units. Individuals who have reached the age of sixteen can be held liable under this article of the KoAP. In cases where a child under the age of sixteen commits this offense, and during the investigation it is established that the reason for the child's commission of this offense was the failure of parents or persons replacing them to fulfill their parental responsibilities, such persons may be brought to administrative responsibility under Part 1 of Article 10.3 of the KoAP, facing an administrative penalty in the form of a fine of up to 10 basic units.
Furthermore, it should be noted that the aforementioned decision of the District Executive Committee does not cover all water bodies. This means there are bodies of water that are neither prohibited for swimming nor designated as places for mass recreation of citizens by water.
Swimming in these water bodies is effectively also dangerous, as the requirements do not extend to these designated objects