Analysis of water incidents over the past decades shows a frightening pattern. Over the last 20 years, peak ice fatalities have been recorded in years with sharp temperature fluctuations. In the mid-2000s, the number of drownings in the winter-spring period often exceeded 50-70 people per season. With the introduction of mandatory life jackets and increased patrols, the figures have been reduced, but the human factor remains the main cause of tragedies.

Last year was a serious lesson. Due to an abnormally warm February, the ice melted earlier than usual. In 2025, 492 water incidents were registered in our country, 54 of which involved minors. 278 people died from drowning, including 12 minors. Of the total number of drowned, 165 people (59%) were intoxicated. 17 people did not return home from ice fishing during the ice melt period, and another 7 drowned while crossing the ice. Most of the deceased did not have safety equipment. A total of 80 people drowned while engaged in various types of fishing, or almost every third person.

Rescuers note that the main age group of the deceased is men aged 45 to 65, experienced fishermen who overly trusted their seniority. The sad toll has already begun in 2026. As of the end of February, water has claimed the lives of 10 people in Belarus. Despite the fact that the figures for the current year are lower than last year's (in the same period of 2025, 24 people died, including 1 minor), each case is an irreparable loss.

"Spring ice is a trap," warns Suleiman Sadykov, chairman of the district organization of the public association "Belarusian Republican Society for Rescue on Waters," to the residents of Beshenkovichi District. "Under the influence of the sun and meltwater, it changes its structure, becoming 'needle-like': vertical crystals lose their connection with each other. Even if the ice thickness is 15-20 cm, it may not withstand a person's weight, simply turning into a loose mass."

To prevent tragedies, the Belarusian Republican Society for Rescue on Waters, together with employees of the Department of Emergency Rescue Services, has initiated unscheduled preventive measures and additional raids on water bodies. Preventive work is being carried out in work collectives and at the crossing point of the Western Dvina from Beshenkovichi to Strelka.

"During meetings with the public," says Suleiman Sadykov, "we tell people that going out on the ice during its active melting period is an unjustified risk that can cost lives, and that wearing a life jacket when going out on the water is mandatory. It will keep you afloat and give you those precious 10-15 minutes before critical hypothermia sets in. If the air temperature is above 0°C for more than three days, the ice strength decreases by 25%. We ask people to carry two sharp ice picks connected by a cord, as it is practically impossible to get out of an ice hole by grabbing the slippery slush with bare hands. Also, do not test the ice strength by kicking it – only use an ice pole or a stick in front of you; do not go out on the water bodies while intoxicated: alcohol dulls the sense of danger and accelerates the body's freezing process in water; do not gather in groups and do not drill many holes close to each other – this turns the ice into a sieve. We talk about dangerous zones and much more that can make a person think and take care of themselves."

✓ Last year, three people died on the water bodies of the Beshenkovichi district. Fortunately, no tragedies have been recorded this year, but rescuers remind everyone to be cautious and to maximize parental supervision of children during the ice melting period. They ask not to leave them unattended and not to pass by a stranger's child playing on the ice or at its edge. Take care of yourself and your loved ones, as no fishing trip or shortcut home is worth a life.

"Zarya"