On water safety during the summer period

June 4, 2025

Fatalities on water are a daily issue that requires attention and responsibility, primarily from citizens heading to recreational areas near water. Rules of conduct near water are designed to minimize risks and prevent tragedies. Unfortunately, carelessness, ignorance, and in most cases, disregard for basic safety measures often lead to sad consequences.

Since the beginning of 2025, 32 people have drowned in the Vitebsk region, including 1 child. This is 22 more people than last year. 14 people were rescued from the water, including 1 child. A tragedy occurred very recently in the Vitebsk district. A first-grader drowned in the garden association "Agrokhimik." Children often become victims of the water element due to carelessness and adult inattention.

With the onset of hot weather, many residents of the city and district flock to the water. At the same time, it is important not to forget that water regularly claims lives. The peak of water fatalities occurs during the swimming season.

The main causes of drowning are swimming in unequipped areas and non-compliance with basic rules of conduct on the water. Open bodies of water are undoubtedly a source of danger, and therefore, caution when swimming and bathing is fully justified. Most water accidents could have been prevented by taking some simple measures. Perhaps the most important of these is abstaining from alcohol.

Regarding children, a significant portion of accidents involving them occurs due to swimming unsupervised by adults. Adults should familiarize children with water safety rules before they go to camps, hiking trips, or picnics. Supervise children's games even in shallow water, and do not engage in games involving grabbing in the water. Children can only learn to swim under adult supervision. Carefully watch children and under no circumstances leave them unattended near water. Water just a few dozen centimeters deep is enough for a tragedy to occur. Do not rely on inflatable devices that keep a child afloat. They give both children and supervising adults a false sense of security. Sometimes toddlers fall out of them, and sometimes they capsize in the water headfirst with them. Approximately two-thirds of water accidents involving children occur when adults stop watching them, even for a short while.

It should be noted that recreational areas, forests, riverbanks, lakes, and beaches are public places, and improper behavior when visiting them may result in administrative liability:

▶ for swimming in prohibited areas (Art. 24.42 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Belarus) – a fine of 1 to 3 base units – 126 rubles;

▶ drinking alcoholic, low-alcohol beverages in a public place or appearing in a public place in a state of intoxication (Art. 19.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Belarus) entails a fine of up to 8 base units – 336 rubles, repeated – up to 15 base units – 630 rubles.

Do not forget about liability for violating environmental safety regulations and the order of nature management, as well as fire safety:

– for lighting fires in prohibited areas (Art. 16.41 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Belarus) – a fine of up to 12 base units – 504 rubles;

– for polluting forests and other woody and shrubby vegetation (Art. 16.22 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Belarus) – a fine of up to 50 base units – 2,100 rubles.