Attention! Thin ice!

In order to reduce drowning deaths from ice and to improve the life safety culture among the population, a special preventive event "Thin Ice" will be held in the Rossony district from March 10 to March 16, 2026.

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, unhardened ice that has not reached a thickness of 7 cm.

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

So, before going out on the ice, you should put on a life jacket, take a rope 1.5-2m long and a pole (board) – anything that can help you stay on the surface. Check the place where the ice meets the shore – there may be holes or snowdrifts covering them. Remember that 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 ice edge to avoid sinking headfirst.
• If possible, move to the edge of the ice hole where the current will 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; roll or crawl towards the shore.

If you see someone fall through the ice:

• Immediately shout to them that you are coming to help and report the incident to rescuers by phone at 101 or 112.
• Try to help the drowning person, but remember that the risk must be justified. If you realize that you have nothing at hand like a pole, board, or thick scarf, do not risk your life; wait for rescuers to arrive.
• If you are confident in your abilities, crawl to the person and, 3-4 meters away from them, hand (throw) them a rescue device – a pole, scarf, etc.
• After giving the victim a makeshift aid, pull them onto the ice and crawl away from the danger zone towards the shore, waiting for rescuers.

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