Swimming Season 2025: Reminder of Safety Rules and Recreation Areas
The 2025 swimming season officially began in Belarus on May 1st. For the safety of citizens, it is important to know where swimming is permitted and what rules should be followed. There are 64 safe beaches in the Vitebsk region, and a total of 418 across the country.
There are only 2 official beaches in the Verkhnedvinsk district:
- Verkhnedvinsk district, Western Dvina River, public swimming area (beach), Verkhnedvinsk town, Dvinа City Park.
- Verkhnedvinsk district, Lake Osviyskoye, water recreation area (beach), near Profintern Street, Osvieya urban settlement.
Although the season is officially open, experts recommend waiting until the water warms up to at least +18°C. Rescuers strongly advise against risking your health and to wait for consistently warm weather to ensure that swimming is not only safe but also comfortable.
Even at official beaches, there are rules, the violation of which can lead to administrative liability:
1. Swimming in prohibited areas is subject to a fine of 1 to 3 basic units (42-126 rubles).
2. The following are prohibited on all beaches:
- Swimming while intoxicated
- Leaving children unattended
- Clinging to boats and sitting on board
- Jumping into the water from boats, vessels, or piers
- Swimming beyond buoys
- Giving false distress signals
3. Additional fines on the shore:
- For making fires outside designated areas – up to 12 basic units (504 rubles)
- For consuming alcoholic beverages – up to 8 basic units (336 rubles)
- For petty hooliganism (including profanity) – from 2 to 30 basic units (up to 1260 rubles)
Adhering to safety rules and swimming only in permitted areas is the key to an enjoyable time by the water.