During hot summer days, people prefer to spend their leisure time on the banks of water bodies. However, it should always be remembered that water bodies are places of increased danger.
During hot summer days, people prefer to spend their leisure time on the banks of water bodies. However, it should always be remembered that water bodies are places of increased danger.
Unfortunately, no summer passes without water fatalities. The vast majority of accidents are recorded at the end of the working week, on weekends and public holidays, in the evening hours on water bodies where there are no seasonal rescue posts, and in places not equipped for swimming. As of 15.08.2024, 38 citizens have drowned in the Vitebsk region (2023 – 42), and 3 citizens have drowned in the Lepel district, with 2 citizens rescued.
Regrettably, most of these are victims of their own carelessness. The main causes of death on the water are non-compliance with basic rules of conduct, swimming while intoxicated, and swimming in unequipped areas. As a rule, accidents involving children occur due to swimming without adult supervision.
Lately, we are more likely to talk about water recreation areas rather than swimming areas. In this regard, it is essential to pay attention to the signs and information boards installed near water bodies. Many recreation areas with gazebos and playgrounds located near rivers and lakes are not designated water recreation areas, and swimming there is strictly prohibited.
We remind you of the basic water safety rules:
- Swimming should only take place in designated recreation areas and beaches;
- Children should not be left unattended near water;
- If you cannot swim, do not go into the water above your waist;
- Do not stay in the water for more than 20 minutes, as hypothermia can cause cramps;
- Do not dive from bridges or piers, even in places where you dived last summer, as the water level may have dropped or something may have been thrown into the water during the year;
- Jumping from the bank into unknown areas is strictly prohibited;
- Do not swim beyond the buoys, as they mark areas with a safe bottom and no whirlpools;
- If you find yourself in a whirlpool, do not panic; inhale deeply and dive down, making a strong sideways thrust to surface;
- Do not swim too far, as you may notassess your strength to return to the shore;
- if you are caught in a strong current, do not try to fight it, you should swim downstream at an angle, approaching the shore.
Close observation, the ability to react quickly, provide first aid, save a human life - these are the main tasks of rescuers on duty at rescue stations and posts.
OSVOD reminds once again that the safety of you and your loved ones is in your hands!
We remind you that the rescue service telephone number is 112, 101.
Head of the Lepel Rescue Station Mikhno I.A