Ice on water bodies is a high-risk area. Every year, a huge number of people die precisely due to non-compliance with safety regulations when on the ice.
Ice on water bodies is a high-risk area. Every year, a huge number of people die precisely due to non-compliance with safety regulations when on the ice.
Among the victims are: fishermen engrossed in ice fishing, children who decided to play or skate on the ice, and those who decided to take a shortcut across the ice.
Ice at least 10 cm thick in fresh water and 15 cm thick in salt water is considered safe for humans.
The strength of ice is weakened at river mouths and channels.
Ice is weak in places with fast currents, springs, and drainage water, as well as in areas with aquatic vegetation, near trees, bushes, and reeds.
If the air temperature above 0 degrees Celsius persists for more than three days, the ice strength decreases by 25%. The strength of ice can be determined visually: blue ice is strong, white ice is half as strong, and opaque white or yellowish ice is unreliable.
Rules of conduct on the ice:
- Do not go out on thin, unhardened ice.
- Do not gather in groups on individual sections of ice.
- Do not approach holes, cracks, or openings in the ice.
- Do not slide down steep banks onto thin ice on sledges or skis.
- Do not cross water bodies on ice in prohibited areas.
- Do not go out on the ice at night or in poor visibility.
- Do not drive on the ice on motorcycles or cars.
State Inspector
Lepel Inter-district Inspectorate for Wildlife Protection and Regulation
Zhernosek O.V.