On January 19, Belarus celebrates the Orthodox holiday of Epiphany. Many, following tradition, prepare to plunge into an ice hole.

On January 19, Belarus celebrates the Orthodox holiday of Epiphany. Many, following tradition, prepare to plunge into an ice hole.

Employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the OSVOD (Belarusian Voluntary Society for the Rescue of People on Water) urge to do this in specially organised places. To avoid endangering your life, under no circumstances should you swim while intoxicated, dive and swim underwater, raise false alarms, gather in groups on the ice near the edge of the ice hole, or go behind barriers. Specialists remind that children are allowed to swim only with parents or adult relatives. Children should be within arm's reach, under constant adult supervision.

Recommendations for plunging:

  • Plunging (swimming) should be done in specially equipped ice holes near the shore, preferably near rescue stations, under the supervision of rescuers.
  • Before swimming in an ice hole, it is necessary to warm up the body by doing warm-up exercises or a light run.
  • Approach the ice hole in comfortable, non-slip, and easily removable footwear to prevent loss of leg sensitivity. It is better to use boots or wool socks to reach the ice hole. Special rubber slippers can also be used, which protect feet from sharp stones and prevent slipping on the ice. When walking to the ice hole, remember that the path may be slippery. Walk slowly and carefully.
  • It is best to plunge up to the neck, without wetting your head, to avoid reflex narrowing of cerebral blood vessels. Never dive headfirst into an ice hole. Jumping into the water and diving headfirst are not recommended, as this increases heat loss and can lead to cold shock.
  • When entering the water for the first time, try to quickly reach the desired depth, but do not swim. Remember that cold water can cause a completely normal and safe increase in breathing rate.
  • Do not stay in the ice hole for more than 1 minute to avoid general hypothermia.
  • After swimming, rub yourself with a terry towel and put on dry clothes.
  • To strengthen immunity and cope with potential hypothermia, drink hot tea, preferably made from berries, fruits, and vegetables from a pre-prepared thermos.

We wish you and your loved ones only a safe immersion!