Long-awaited summer has arrived. On hot summer days, people prefer to spend their free time by the water. However, it is essential to remember that water bodies are places of increased danger.
Unfortunately, no summer passes without water-related fatalities. The vast majority of accidents are recorded at the end of the working week, on weekends and public holidays, in the evening, in water bodies without seasonal rescue posts, and in places not designated for swimming. In the first 5 months of 2025 alone, 30 citizens drowned in the Vitebsk region, including 1 child (in 2024 – 14). No emergencies have been registered in the Lepel district.
Regrettably, most of these are victims of their own carelessness. The main causes of death in water are non-compliance with basic water safety rules, swimming while intoxicated, and swimming in undesignated areas. Typically, accidents involving children occur due to swimming unsupervised by adults.
Recently, we are more likely to talk about water recreation areas rather than swimming areas. It is crucial to pay attention to signs and information boards installed near water bodies. Many recreation centres with gazebos and playgrounds located by rivers and lakes are not designated water recreation areas, and swimming there is strictly prohibited.
We remind you of the basic water safety rules:
- Swim only in designated recreation areas and beaches;
- Do not leave children unattended near water;
- If you cannot swim, do not go into the water above waist level;
- Do not stay in the water for more than 20 minutes; 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 changed or something may have been thrown into the water;
- Jumping from the bank into unknown areas is strictly forbidden;
- 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; take a deep breath, dive down, and make a strong sideways push to surface;
- do not swim too far, as you may misjudge your strength to return to the shore;
- if caught in a strong current, do not try to fight it; swim downstream at an angle, moving towards the shore.
Close observation, the ability to react quickly, provide first aid, and save a human life are the main tasks of rescuers on duty at rescue stations and posts.
The Belarusian Voluntary Society for the Rescue of Persons on Water (OSVOD) reminds you once again that the safety of yourself and your loved ones is in your hands!
Remember, the rescue service telephone number is 112, 101.
Head of the Lepel Rescue Station Mikhno I.A.