How to plunge into an ice hole on Epiphany? Rescuer recommendations

On January 19, Belarus celebrates the Orthodox holiday of Epiphany. Many, following tradition, are preparing to plunge into an ice hole.

Employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Osvod (Belarusian Voluntary Society for the Rescue of People on Water) urge people to do this in specially organized places. To avoid endangering your life, under no circumstances should you swim while intoxicated, dive or swim underwater, give false alarms, gather in groups on the ice near the edge of the ice hole, or go beyond the barriers. Specialists remind that children are allowed to swim only with parents or adult relatives. Children should be within arm's reach, under constant adult supervision.

Recommendations for plunging:

• Plunging (swimming) should be done in specially equipped ice holes near the shore, preferably near rescue stations, under the supervision of rescuers.

• Before swimming in an ice hole, it is necessary to warm up your body by doing warm-up exercises or a light run.

• You should approach the ice hole in comfortable, non-slip, and easily removable footwear to prevent loss of sensation in your feet. It is best to use boots or woolen socks to walk to the ice hole. Special rubber slippers can also be used, which protect your feet from sharp stones and prevent you from slipping on the ice. When walking to the ice hole, remember that the path may be slippery. Walk slowly and carefully.

• It is best to plunge up to your neck, without wetting your head, to avoid reflex narrowing of the blood vessels in the brain. Never dive headfirst into an ice hole. Jumping into the water and submerging your head are not recommended, as this increases heat loss and can lead to cold shock.

• When entering the water for the first time, try to quickly reach the desired depth without swimming. Remember that cold water can cause a completely normal and safe increase in breathing rate.

•  Do not stay in the ice hole for more than 1 minute to avoid general hypothermia.

•  After bathing, rub yourself with a terry towel and put on dry clothes.

•  To strengthen immunity and prevent hypothermia, drink hot tea, preferably berry, fruit, or vegetable-based, from a pre-prepared thermos.

We wish you and your loved ones only safe immersions!