Ice Safety

Winter is on its way, which means many, both children and adults, are eagerly awaiting the first ice on the bodies of water. This is, of course, a great opportunity for ice skating and winter fishing, but one should not forget about safety during this period.

Ice Formation. With the onset of frosty weather, do not expect bodies of water to be instantly covered with ice. This is a lengthy process and depends on many factors. It usually begins in November and continues until New Year's Eve. Everything depends on the weather conditions, which vary each autumn-winter season. At low temperatures at night, ice forms, but under the sun's rays during the day, it begins to become porous due to water seeping through it. The thickness may already be considerable, but it cannot be called reliable. The freezing process occurs at different speeds on various bodies of water; for example, ice forms more slowly on rivers because the current interferes with this process. Even on the same body of water, the ice thickness can vary in different parts.

Ice Safety. Almost every year, situations arise where the most impatient winter fishing or ice skating enthusiasts find themselves in a dangerous predicament, ending up in icy water. However, the most important rule is: if you are unsure about the ice's strength, do not step on it. Sometimes, a person begins to realise their mistake only after stepping onto thin ice; in this case, one should try to carefully retrace their steps back. Snow hinders the assessment of ice strength. While moving, one might not notice cracks appearing, but if you hear a crunch, you should stop moving and return. If a loud cracking sound occurs, it is better to move by crawling. Remember, for one person to safely cross a frozen body of water, the ice thickness along the route must be at least 7 centimetres. An ice rink can only be set up if the ice layer is about 12 centimetres thick. Crossing in a group requires an ice thickness of 15 centimetres. Vehicle movement will be safe at a thickness of at least 30 centimetres. Do not go onto the ice at night, in heavy fog, snow, or rain. When moving in a group, it is best to maintain a distance of at least 5 metres from each other. The most convenient way to cross a body of water is on skis, but do not fasten the bindings so that they can be quickly released at the slightest sign of danger. If you are carrying a load on your back, it is better to place it on one shoulder so that it can be easily discarded in case of danger. Always, when heading out onto a frozen body of water, you must take a strong rope with a loop and a weight, so that if necessary, it can be thrown to someone who has fallen through. Often, individuals under the influence of alcohol do not observe winter ice safety. In such a state, it is impossible to react adequately to danger.

Treacherous Ice. Specialists can determine the reliability of ice even by its appearance. Ice that is yellowish or opaque white in colour is considered more dangerous, and therefore thinner. It often has a porous structure, making it unreliable. It is important to know that if the temperature does not drop below zero degrees for several days, the ice strength decreases by 25%. Ice is thinnest, even in frosty weather, near reeds, bushes, or trees growing along the banks. Extra caution should be exercised near ice holes – they can become almost invisible if lightly covered with snow. Testing the ice strength by jumping or stamping on it is not advisable; it is better to use a stick. If water has appeared on the surface of the ice, it is best not to cross at that spot.

Children and Ice. Parents must inform children about ice safety during winter. Do not let them go alone to frozen bodies of water. It is essential to ensure that the ice is at least 7 centimetres thick. If group games are planned on the ice, the ice cover should be about 12 centimetres thick. Children should be taught that when moving on ice of uncertain thickness, they should walk in single file. Do not step on ice covered with snow, as you can easily encounter ice holes. Forbid going to water bodies when there are temperature fluctuations, or jumping onto a drifting ice floe. If the ice does not hold and cracks, and a child falls into the water, they must know how to act in such a situation. If they were not alone but with friends, someone should quickly go for help.

First Aid. Move towards the person who has fallen through only by crawling. It is better to offer a scarf, stick, or other improvised item rather than an outstretched hand, to avoid falling in yourself. After the victim has grabbed the offered item, carefully pull them onto the ice, avoiding sudden movements. After a successful rescue, provide assistance by warming the victim and dressing them in dry clothes. It is very important that companions do not panic in such a situation and provide help instead of scattering in different directions.

Situations where a person goes alone to a frozen body of water happen frequently. The most important thing in case of a tragedy is not to panic, clinging to the edge of the ice. This will not help, but only exhaust your strength. From the first second, try to get onto the surface of the ice, assuming a horizontal position. If the current pulls you under the ice, push with all your might against the edge and loudly call for help. When going alone to a body of water in winter, you must have "rescue aids" with you, which can be made by hand. To do this, nails are wrapped with electrical tape, making a kind of handle, and a cord is passed through so as not to lose them. In a moment of danger, they can be used like claws to grip the ice and thus save your life.

You got to the shore: what next? Always ensure you have a set of dry clothes in your backpack. Get to a warm place as soon as possible. If you are far from home, you can take advantage of the hospitality of the residents of a neighboring village. In the second stage, it is important to warm yourself from the inside, and in this case, you cannot do without a hot drink.

Behaviour on bodies of water in the autumn-winter period. To prevent accidents on bodies of water in late autumn and winter, it is necessary to observe certain rules of conduct. Do not rush to go to a body of water with the appearance of the first ice cover. Ice becomes reliable only with the onset of stable low temperatures. It is quite dangerous to go down to the ice in unfamiliar places, especially during a thaw. It is better not to cross a body of water in places with a thick layer of snow, as the ice thickness under it is always less than in an open area. Do not risk your life by going onto the ice at night, and even more so alone. It is better to play winter sports on specially equipped ice rinks to be sure of the reliability of the ice. It is dangerous to use ice for crossing during spring floods.

Recommendations for ice fishing enthusiasts. It is quite common to see fishermen sitting on the ice with a fishing rod. The desire to catch a good fish makes them disregard the dangers, and for good reason. Many cases are known when rescuers had to free unfortunate fishermen from icy captivity. For ice fishing, one should choose a familiar body of water and places where the depth does not exceed a person's height. It is important to be able to distinguish between dangerous and safe ice. Exercise caution when descending from the bank onto the ice, as it may be weak in these areas. Do not make several holes close to each other. It is also not advisable to sit in a large group in a small area of ice. If, while drilling a hole, water starts to gush out, it means the place is dangerous and unsuitable for fishing. One must have sharp objects with them that could be used for rescue in case of a tragedy. Only by observing these simple rules can one be sure that ice fishing will end safely.