Warning about fatalities on water

The problem of fatalities on water is one of the most pressing issues during the summer period. The Verkhnedvinsk District Prosecutor's Office maintains constant control over issues related to preventing citizen fatalities on water.

The majority of accidents are recorded at the end of the working week, on weekends and public holidays, at bodies of water without seasonal rescue posts, as well as at bodies of water not equipped for swimming.

Swimming in unauthorized areas, non-compliance with basic water safety rules, and swimming while intoxicated are the main reasons for fatalities on water. Most accidents involving children occur due to them swimming without adult supervision.

The Verkhnedvinsk District Prosecutor's Office reminds that, in accordance with clause 24 of the Rules for the Protection of Life on Water, approved by Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus of August 18, 2023 No. 543, persons visiting beaches are prohibited from:

- swimming in areas prohibited for swimming, as well as during dark hours;

- consuming alcoholic, low-alcohol beverages, beer, narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues, toxic or other stupefying substances on beaches;

- swimming while intoxicated and/or under the influence of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues, toxic or other stupefying substances;

- swimming beyond the boundaries marking the beach area;

- approaching vessels, floating objects;

- climbing on technical and warning signs, buoys, other objects;

- swimming on sports equipment, boards, loungers, logs, car tires, inflatable mattresses, and other items;

- using rescue equipment and gear for purposes other than intended;

- organizing water games involving diving and grabbing a swimmer, as well as engaging in other actions that may cause an accident;

- giving false alarm signals;

- leaving children under 14 years of age unsupervised;

- washing laundry, cleaning vehicles, or bathing animals.

It is also prohibited to jump into the water from vessels, floating objects, bridges, piers, dams, other hydraulic structures and devices, as well as the entry, maneuvering, and parking of vessels in the vicinity of beaches and swimming areas, the boundaries of which are marked by buoys.

It should be noted that swimming in prohibited areas entails administrative liability under Art. 24.42 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Belarus, which provides for a fine ranging from one to three basic units.

Senior Assistant Prosecutor

of Verkhnedvinsk District

3rd Class Lawyer

Kuzmichyonok A.V.