It is important to observe the rules of safe behaviour on winter bodies of water. In winter, most water bodies are covered with ice, which is a source of serious danger, especially after the first frosts and during thaws.
One must not forget the serious danger posed by newly frozen water bodies. The first ice is very treacherous. Do not rush to go out on the first ice; it only appears to be solid, but in reality, it is thin, weak, and will not withstand the weight of not only an adult but also a child.
There are several external signs by which the strength of ice can be determined. Clear and transparent ice, with a bluish or greenish tint, forms in frosty, windless, and precipitation-free weather. Such ice crunches underfoot. Even in thin sections, it does not break immediately but seems to warn of danger with radial cracks spreading underfoot.
Ice with shades of grey, opaque white, or yellow is almost twice as weak as transparent ice. Such ice forms during frosty weather with snowfall and consists of frozen snowflakes. It is particularly treacherous as it breaks without warning crackling.
Porous ice, which is snow frozen during a blizzard, is absolutely unsafe. Sections of such ice must be avoided.
In winter, ice thickness increases per day at:
- a temperature of –5 °C – 0.6 cm;
- a temperature of –25 °C – 2.9 cm;
-40 °C – 4.6 cm.
Rules of Conduct
It is necessary to remember that one should only go out on the ice in extreme cases, with maximum caution, and only wearing a life jacket.
In all cases, before stepping from the bank onto the ice, it is necessary to carefully look around, plan the route of movement and the possible return to the bank.
One should beware of places where the ice is covered with snow, as ice forms more slowly under snow. It can happen that the thickness of open ice across the entire body of water is more than 10 cm, while under the snow it is only 3 cm.
In places with fast currents, near bushes, sedges, or grass protruding from the surface, where springs or streams flow into the body of water, there are thin ice areas, thawed patches, or ice holes. Here, the water is covered with very thin ice.
Places where industrial wastewater, or melted snow from city streets saturated with various reagents, are discharged into water bodies are particularly dangerous. In such places, the water practically does not freeze throughout the winter.
It is safest to cross a body of water on transparent ice with a greenish or bluish tint, provided its thickness is at least 7 cm.
Before stepping onto the ice, one must ensure its strength, using an ice pick or a stick for this purpose. While moving, strike the ice ahead and to both sides of yourself several times in the same spot with the ice pick (stick).
If you see a clear, smooth area not covered by snow, it means there is an ice hole or a thin ice patch covered with fresh, thin ice.
If there is a dark spot on a smooth snow cover, it means there is unfrozen ice under the snow.
It is very dangerous to slide onto the ice from a steep bank, especially in an unfamiliar place. Even if you notice an ice hole, a break in the ice, or other danger ahead, it can be difficult to brake or swerve, especially if small children are involved. For sledding, skiing, and skating, it is necessary to choose places with a solid ice cover, previously inspected by adults.
Special caution is required on the ice during thaws when even winter ice loses its strength.
Remember!
A person can die from hypothermia 10-15 minutes after falling into the water.
If the ice cracks, bends, or water appears on the surface, immediately return to the shore.
Do not walk on the ice in a crowd or with heavy loads. It is best not to go out on the ice unless absolutely necessary!!!
If you fall through the ice, try to move towards the edge of the ice hole from which the current flows. This guarantees that you will not be pulled under the ice. Once you reach the edge of the ice hole, try to stick out of the water as much as possible to lean your chest on the edge and throw your leg over the edge of the ice. If the ice holds, carefully roll onto your back and slowly crawl to the shore. Once on land, hurry to warm up somehow. Hypothermia can cause serious complications.
If someone falls through the ice before your eyes, arm yourself with any stick, pole, or board and carefully crawl towards the ice hole. You should crawl to a place from which you can easily throw a belt, a bag on a strap, or extend a ski pole. When the person in the water grabs the extended object, carefully pull them out of the water. After getting out of the ice hole, crawl away from its edge.
Do not go out onto frozen bodies of water with a child! If the ice breaks – you must call for help loudly and try to get out by crawling or rolling onto the edge! Do not thrash about! If you manage to get out, you need to crawl or roll away from the edge.
The Belarusian Voluntary Society for the Rescue of Persons on Water (OSVOD) reminds: to avoid tragic incidents, observe elementary safety rules on water.
In case of any emergency, you must immediately call 101 or 112!
Head of the Lepel
Rescue Station Mikhno I.A.