Winter has firmly settled in, a pile of warm clothes is waiting by the door, and your little one is all set for winter fun! Children are eager to spend time on the ice, especially where rivers or lakes have just frozen over. For children, it's an ice adventure; for parents, it's endless worry.
Dear parents, the Belarusian Voluntary Society for Rescue on Waters (OSVOD) reminds you that you can protect children from the dangers of falling through the ice. To do this, you need to know a few rules for behaviour on the ice and instill them in your child's mind. The first and most important rule is: do not let children go onto the ice alone! Children are forbidden to go onto the ice without adult supervision. Therefore, to ensure your child's safety, talk to them about the rules of behaviour on the ice.
How to Behave on the Ice:
1. When going onto the ice, all citizens must wear a life jacket that fits properly and provides positive buoyancy in water, taking into account the total weight of the body and clothing.
3. Do not go onto the ice when it is dark outside or visibility is poor due to fog or snow.
4. Forbid your child from testing the ice's strength by stamping on it with their feet. The ice may be thin, and the child could easily fall through.
5. Tell your child that ice covered with a thick layer of snow is particularly dangerous. Water freezes much more slowly in such places.
6. Also dangerous are areas on the ice where cracks and holes are visible. If you step on these spots, the ice may crack immediately.
7. If, for any reason, the ice cracks under your feet and a fissure begins to form, do not panic or run headlong away from danger. You must lie down on the ice and carefully roll to a safe place.
8. If a child does find themselves in danger and the ice cracks beneath them, inform them not to jump onto a floating ice floe, as it may capsize and the child will end up underwater.
Be vigilant and careful! Do not endanger your life or the lives of your loved ones!
Head of Lepel District Mikhno I.A.
rescue station