GIMS informs!

Autumn fishing attracts many to reservoirs, but it is worth remembering that the probability of accidents from boats increases in the autumn period! The water is already cold at this time, and if the boat capsizes and the fisherman ends up in the water, wet clothes will drag him down to the bottom, restricting his movements. Therefore, it can be quite difficult to survive.

In October and November 2024 alone, 3 emergency incidents involving small vessels occurred in the Vitebsk region. As a result, 4 people died. And since the beginning of 2024, 7 emergency incidents involving small vessels with 8 fatalities have already occurred in the Vitebsk region. In all cases, people were without life jackets!

The State Inspectorate for Small Vessels (GIMS) of the Vitebsk region, addressing owners of small vessels, currently urges fishermen to refrain from fishing from boats. Negative air temperature and cold water give a person no chance of survival if they end up in icy water. A person dies at a body temperature below 26 degrees Celsius (this is approximately 30 minutes in cold water). Being a significant distance from the shore, even a life jacket may not help you. In the cold season, if something happens to your vessel (capsizes, loses watertightness, etc.), or you fall overboard, the outcome will be tragic! Think about it! Take care of your own safety, do not take risks!

Do not neglect wearing a life jacket, it increases your chances of survival many times over! Be careful and take care of yourselves, and help those who are in trouble on the water!