Thin ice hazard

Currently, ice up to 3-5 cm thick is forming on most water bodies in Belarus; it is unsafe to go out on it. The Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Belarus warns citizens about the danger of going out on thin ice and asks them to refrain from doing so and to caution their children about the danger.

Ice at least 7 cm thick is considered safe. It is green or bluish-green in color. Dirty or brownish-gray ice is usually already thawed and weak. If the temperature remains at zero degrees for three consecutive days, the strength of the ice decreases by 25%. Ice is often weak near the mouths of rivers and tributaries, near springs and drainage waters, as well as trees, bushes, and reeds.

Do not test the strength of the ice by jumping on it or kicking it. You also need to be properly equipped for ice fishing - take at least a minimal set of rescue equipment with you: a rope, a stick, a board, a life jacket, and "crampons" to get out. And even on strong ice, you should not drill many holes nearby or gather in large groups. Adults must talk to children about the dangers of playing on the ice and teach them how to act. But the safest option is if children do not go out on the ice at all, neither under adult supervision nor on their own. At water temperatures from +5 to +15 degrees Celsius, the time spent in it becomes dangerous up to four hours; at 2-3 degrees, staying in it for more than 20 minutes becomes fatal.

minutes, at water temperatures from 0 to -2 degrees Celsius, death may occur after 10 minutes.

If you fall through the ice, call for help, try to get out on the side where the ice is strongest, while crawling onto the ice on your chest, spreading your arms wide to increase the support area and reduce pressure on the ice edge. If you see a person who has fallen through the ice (into an ice hole), shout that you are coming to their aid, this will give them strength. When providing assistance, do not approach the ice hole closer than 3-4 meters, use improvised means.