In winter, most bodies of water are covered with ice, which poses a serious danger, especially after the first frosts and during thaws. Taking shortcuts home, catching a large fish, walking near a body of water, and skating on it are just a few of the reasons why tragedies occur annually. However, accidents can be avoided by simply observing the rules and personal safety measures.
Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus No. 543 of August 18, 2023, establishes safety measures on water in the winter period, which include the following rules:
§ It is prohibited to go out on the ice if its thickness is less than 7 centimetres (for one person).
§ It is not recommended to go out on the ice during blizzards and in darkness.
§ Before starting to move across a frozen body of water, it is necessary to look around carefully, plan the route of movement and a possible return route in case of danger.
§ Before stepping onto the ice, ensure its strength. Strike the ice in front of you and to both sides several times in the same spot with a stick.
§ If water appears on the surface, retreat along your own tracks, using sliding movements without lifting your feet from the surface.
§ Water safety in winter is particularly important during thaws when even thick ice loses its strength.
§ When crossing ice in a group, maintain a distance of at least 5 metres between individuals.
§ When crossing bodies of water on ice, it is recommended to use a prepared ski track. For safety, unfasten ski bindings, remove pole straps from your hands, and carry a backpack on one shoulder. The distance between skiers should be at least 5 metres. The skier in front must check the strength of the ice by tapping with their poles.
§ When moving, avoid areas where the ice is covered with snow.
§ Ice skating is recommended on shallow waters, in areas without fast currents, provided that the ice thickness is at least 25 centimetres.
§ When fishing from the ice, anglers are prohibited from drilling holes less than 1 metre apart from each other.
§ Citizens going onto the ice, including for fishing from the ice, are obliged to wear a life jacket, which must fit and provide positive buoyancy in water, taking into account the total weight of the body and clothing. It is recommended to carry a rescue line and ice picks.
§ When fishing from the ice, anglers are prohibited from drilling holes less than 1 metre apart from each other.
§ Ice holes and other places where ice has been removed, with a diameter exceeding 0.25 metres, must be marked with beacons clearly visible on the ice surface.
§ Children are prohibited from going onto the ice without adult supervision.
§ If you fall through the ice, act quickly and decisively: spread your arms wide to avoid going under the ice headfirst. Do not panic under any circumstances; a person can only survive in icy water for a maximum of 10 minutes. Shout loudly for help. You must get rid of any excess weight that will pull you down. Then, break off the fragile ice edge and try to get out of the ice hole or thin ice towards the shore. Carefully crawl your body onto the edge of the ice crust, and once your chest is on the ice, carefully pull one leg onto the ice, then the other, gradually rolling out. Do not stand up under any circumstances, as the ice will break again. Slowly crawl away from the dangerous area towards the shore, spreading your legs and arms wide.
If you witness an incident, do not be indifferent, immediately call rescuers for help on phones 101, 112, reporting what happened. Do not be afraid to provide assistance; if done correctly, the person can be saved. Crawl to the victim, spreading your legs and arms wide, then using improvised means (a long stick, board, rope, scarf, etc.) extend them to the person who has fallen through and help them get out. Then crawl back in the same way. Under no circumstances should you stand on the ice; it may break again, and you risk ending up in the water.
Adherence to elementary safety measures on water bodies during the winter period will allow you to make your recreation safe.
Head of the Lepel
Rescue Station I.A. Mikhno