Spring is the most beautiful time of year, however, when near water bodies (rivers, lakes, swamps), it is necessary to remember that spring ice is very treacherous and differs from autumn and winter ice.
Spring is the most beautiful time of year, however, when near water bodies (rivers, lakes, swamps), it is necessary to remember that spring ice is very treacherous and differs from autumn and winter ice. Autumn ice cracks under a person's weight, warning of danger, while spring ice is saturated with meltwater, has turned white, swollen, is all cracked, and is unable to support a person's weight. Such ice can crumble underfoot at any moment, turning into an icy slush. It is about to break up and float downstream. In spring, due to melted snow and ice, the water level in reservoirs rises intensively, causing flooding. Water floods fields, meadows, and forests along the water body.
The period of flood and ice drift is very dangerous, requiring order, caution, and adherence to elementary rules of safe behaviour from us.
Spring floods pose the greatest danger to children. Left unsupervised, they, unaware of safety measures, engage in pranks on the bank, jump from ice floe to ice floe, and some even manage to fish while on unstable ice. Such carelessness sometimes ends tragically. In 2024 alone, 5 people drowned in the Vitebsk region during the winter period.
Citizens must remember that in accordance with the Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus No. 543 of August 18, 2023, "On the Protection of Human Life on Water," **it is forbidden** to go out onto the ice cover of surface water bodies during periods of formation and (or) destruction of the ice cover. Therefore, going out onto the ice during the period of intensive ice melt is **forbidden**.
Safety Measures During Spring Floods
The spring flood period is particularly dangerous for those living near a river, pond, or other water body. Having become accustomed to using ice crossings in winter, many forget the danger that ice holds in spring. Crossing a river, pond, or lake on ice in spring is dangerous. Stepping onto unexamined ice is a great risk. Remember, river currents strongly erode steep banks. Collapses are possible. Beware of admiring the spring ice drift from steep banks. In spring, it is dangerous to go near dams and weirs. Do not forget – they can be unexpectedly swept away by the force of the ice. Do not approach
ice jams… The flood period demands order, caution, and adherence to safety rules on ice and water. Remember! Playing on the ice during this time, boating, or rafting during ice drift and floods is life-threatening.What to do if you fall through the ice?
The main thing is not to panic and to act quickly and decisively.
- discard heavy items;
- call for help;
- try to get out in the direction you fell;
- spread your arms wide, without sudden movements, lean on the edge of the ice, and try to crawl onto the ice, then, placing one leg on the ice, roll away from the break;
- lying on your back or chest, crawl or roll 3-5 meters away from the break along your tracks;
- without resting, move to a safe place, and then run to the nearest dwelling.
If you witness an accident on a body of water:
* do not lose your head, do not run home, but shout loudly for help;
* call 101, 112 to the Rescue Department (ROChS) and report the incident;
* approach the victim by crawling, if possible, place a board, a piece of plywood, or a ski under yourself;
* do not crawl closer than 3-4 meters to the victim;
* hand them a stick, pole, rope, i.e., any improvised means to help them get out of the water;
* crawl away from the break for a distance of 3-5 meters, then move to a safe place;
* take the victim to a warm room, and if possible, provide first aid.
During the spring flood and ice drift, it is dangerous to:
· go out onto water bodies;
· cross rivers during ice drift;
· approach rivers closely in areas of ice jams;
· approach ice jams, push ice floes away from the banks;
· walk on ice floes and ride on them.
BE ATTENTIVE AND CAUTIOUS! ICE IN SPRING IS DEADLY DANGEROUS! EVERYONE MUST REMEMBER THE RESCUE SERVICE NUMBERS 101, 112!
Head of Lepel
Rescue Station Mikhno I.A.