Be careful on the ice

December 14, 2021

Ice on rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water only becomes strong during the period of complete formation of winter ice cover.

Ice on rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water only becomes strong during the period of complete formation of winter ice cover. However, even in winter, there are plenty of dangerous places for skating and crossing. These include: thin ice areas formed by fast river currents, underground springs emerging to the surface, and warm water discharges from industrial enterprises, ice holes, fishing holes, and ice harvesting sites.

Before venturing onto the ice, check the area where the ice meets the shore – there may be thin ice areas or snowdrifts covering them. At river mouths, ice strength is weakened due to currents.

Before and during movement on the ice, check its strength with available tools (pole, ski pole, etc.), and under no circumstances by stamping your feet on the ice.

For anglers:

Do not gather in large groups, minimize the number of holes drilled close to each other, always have a rope at hand, and remember to wear life jackets.

If you fall through the ice:

- Spread your arms wide along the edges of the ice to avoid sinking completely;

- If possible, move towards the edge of the ice hole where the current does not pull you under;

- Try not to break the edge, get out of the ice without sudden movements by crawling on your chest and alternately pulling your legs to the surface, spreading them wide;

- Adjust your body to the widest possible support area;

- Once out of the ice hole, roll away and then crawl in the direction you came from.

Someone has fallen through the ice, and you are a witness:

- Immediately shout to them that you are coming to help;

- Approach the ice hole by crawling, with your arms spread wide;

- Place skis, plywood, or a board under yourself to increase the support area and crawl on them;

- Do not crawl to the very edge of the ice hole, otherwise you will also end up in the water;

- Belts and scarves, any board, skis, or sled can help you save the person;

- Throw tied objects 3-4 meters before the victim;

- If you are not alone, then, holding each other by the legs, lie down on the ice in a chain and move towards the break;

- Act decisively and quickly, the victim is freezing in icy water, wet clothes are pulling him down;

- Having provided the victim with an improvised tool, pull him onto the ice and crawl away from the danger zone.

Do not take unnecessary risks, your life is in your hands!