A large number of people die annually in water bodies in Belarus. As of 26.06.2020, 37 people have drowned in water bodies in the Vitebsk region alone, including one child.
A large number of people die annually in water bodies in Belarus. As of 26.06.2020, 37 people have drowned in water bodies in the Vitebsk region alone, including one child.
The most frequent cause of death in water (more than half of all incidents) is swimming while intoxicated. We all know that recreation in water bodies is often accompanied by the consumption of alcoholic beverages, and, as is known, alcohol blocks the normal functioning of the brain. Under its influence, a person cannot control their actions and coordinate movements as required for safe swimming.
Another major cause of accidents in water is gross violation of safety regulations. Swimming in water bodies not adapted and not equipped for these purposes often ends tragically. There are many cases where some people, showing off their skills, swim far from the shore, dive and jump into the water in unfamiliar places. As a result of such actions, one can not only die but also be confined to a wheelchair for life due to injuries sustained from impacts.
Thus, we see that water is indeed a dangerous element that forgives no one's mistakes. And if safety rules are not observed, both those who cannot swim and those who can swim well can drown. Accidents can occur in large and small water bodies, and the main cause of their occurrence is human carelessness.
Safety Measures for Swimming
- refrain from swimming in unknown water bodies not intended for this purpose; if there is no equipped beach nearby, choose a safe swimming spot with a firm sandy, debris-free bottom and a gradual slope.
- avoid swimming alone;
- do not enter the water while intoxicated, as alcohol blocks the vasoconstrictor and vasodilator centers of the brain.
- never jump into the water in specially unequipped places: you can hit your head on the bottom, a stone, or another object, easily lose consciousness, injure yourself, and die.
- it is forbidden to dive from bridges, piers, wharves, or swim up to
- do not approach too closely to passing boats, motorboats and vessels.
- it is forbidden to swim on inflatable mattresses, car inner tubes (especially if you cannot swim). They can be carried very far from the shore by wind or current, and swamped by waves, air can escape from them, and they will lose buoyancy;
- do not engage in rough horseplay in the water: dive under swimmers, grab them by the legs, "drown" them, give false distress signals, etc.;
- do not swim beyond the boundary markers, as they delineate an area with a verified bottom, a specific depth, where whirlpools are guaranteed to be absent, etc. Do not swim far from the shore or swim across a body of water for a bet. You can prove your swimming ability by swimming the same distance several times near the shore;
- do not leave children unattended by the water.
Be vigilant and observe the basic rules of conduct on the water!