Attention! Observe the rules of conduct when going out on the ice

Every spring and autumn, rescuers' reports are full of headlines about drowned fishermen who, despite numerous warnings, continue to play with fate in pursuit of another trophy. To avoid becoming a victim of thin ice, you should always follow simple rules of conduct, and most importantly – do not go out on thin ice.

Every adult and child should remember these simple rules. Recently, adults are more often found in such situations than children, especially winter fishing enthusiasts. At the same time, children must clearly understand that going out on the ice is forbidden under any circumstances!

IMPORTANT!

You can go out on the ice if it has a greenish or bluish tint, and its thickness is at least 7 centimeters. Yellow or matte ice is unreliable. If there is a marked path, it is better to follow it. Be careful on steep and slippery banks to avoid sliding onto the ice, which may be thin and break through.

So, before going out on the ice, you should:

* wear a life jacket,

* take a rope 1.5-2m long and a pole (board) – anything that will help you stay afloat,

* check the place where the ice meets the shore – there may be holes or snow drifts covering them.

Remember, the ice strength is weakened at river mouths due to currents.

What to do if you fall through the ice:

- spread your arms wide along the edges of the ice to avoid submerging your head,

- if possible, move to the edge of the ice hole where the current does not pull you under the ice,

- try not to break the edge,

- get out onto the ice without sudden movements, crawling on your chest and alternately pulling your legs out onto the surface, spreading them wide,

- adjust your body to the widest possible support area,

- once out of the ice hole, do not stand up under any circumstances, but roll or crawl towards the shore.

If you see someone fall through the ice:

– immediately shout to him that you are coming to help, report the incident to the rescuers by phone. 101 or 112. Try to help the drowning person, but remember that the risk must be justified and, if you realize that you do not have any improvised means at hand, such as a pole, a board, a thick scarf, do not risk your life, wait for the rescuers to arrive.

If you are confident in your abilities, you should crawl up to the person and, 3-4 m away from him, hand (throw) him a rescue device – a pole, a scarf, etc. Having provided the victim with an improvised means, pull him onto the ice and crawl away from the danger zone towards the shore and wait for the rescuers.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations urges: do not neglect safety rules, and then an emergency situation will never happen to you.