On August 2, Vitebsk /Olga Bogacheva - BELTA/. In the Vitebsk region, about 40 people drowned in July, the Vitebsk regional organization of the Belarusian Voluntary Society for the Rescue of People on Water (OSVOD) informed a BELTA correspondent based on operational data. In the past month, only adult residents of the region became victims of drowning. In total, since the beginning of the swimming season in June-July, 50 people have died on the water, including one child (in June), which is 12 people less compared to the same period last year. Accidents occurred in the vast majority of the region's districts, with the exception of Polotsk, Braslavsky, Verkhnedvinsky, Orshansky, Rossonsky, Chashniksky, Ushachsky, and Shumilinsky districts. In almost 50% of cases, alcohol was the cause of drowning. Among other common causes are violations of safety regulations. "People carelessly overestimate their abilities when swimming far, do not use life jackets on watercraft, dive in unfamiliar places or without considering their own health condition, and a sudden immersion in water due to temperature difference can cause spasms, which then lead to a fatal outcome," stated OSVOD employees, urging the public to take responsibility for their own lives. Meteorologists predict a new heatwave for the upcoming weekend. The temperature in the Vitebsk region will again approach 30 degrees Celsius. "Many people will spend these days near reservoirs. However, it should be remembered that alcohol and water are incompatible, and children should not be left unattended near water, even for a moment. Minors who cannot swim should not be allowed to swim in deep water on inflatable rings, and in general, for their own safety, recreation should take place in guarded and equipped areas," recommended OSVOD.

BELTA