Rules of conduct on water bodies during the period of active ice melt
In order to prevent accidents on water bodies, employees of the Rossonsky District Department for Emergency Situations, together with the chairman of the district organization of the All-Russian Society for the Rescue of People on Water (OSVOD), Viktor Petrovich Kostyuchenko, are conducting ongoing preventive work aimed at reducing the occurrence of emergencies on the district's water bodies during the period of active ice melt.
During conversations, citizens are reminded of the mandatory presence of a life jacket and rescue equipment, such as a rope and ice picks.
To avoid unpleasant situations, it is strongly recommended to observe certain rules of conduct and measures for assisting those who have fallen through the ice.
Remember:
- When going out on the ice, wear light and warm clothing that does not restrict movement;
- It is safest to descend to the water in places where the ice is clearly visible and not covered with snow;
- It is better to walk along already trodden paths;
- Do not go out on the ice alone (preferably in groups of 2-3 people);
- If you are moving in a group, move one after another, maintaining an interval of at least 5-6 meters, and be ready to assist a comrade;
- Do not walk or skate on ice in unfamiliar places, especially at night;
- Listen carefully and observe how the ice behaves;
- Do not approach places where trees, bushes, reeds grow, snags stick out, where streams flow into rivers, or where warm water is discharged from industrial enterprises;
- Do not walk near cracks or on sections of ice separated from the main mass by several cracks;
Staying in icy water for 10-15 minutes is life-threatening.
What to do if you fall through the ice? The main thing is not to lose composure:
- Spread your arms and try to get rid of excess weight;
- Call for help;
- Try not to submerge your head underwater;
- If possible, move to the edge of the ice hole where the current will not carry you under the ice;
- Do not make sudden movements and do not break the edge;
- If you can reach the opposite edge of the break with your feet, assume a horizontal position, leaning on it with your feet, pull one leg onto the ice, then the other;
- You can get onto the ice in the same way you sit on high windowsills, i.e., with your back to the chosen spot. As soon as most of your body is on the ice, roll onto your stomach and crawl away from the break.
If you have managed to get ashore on your own, and the settlement is far away, you have no dry warm clothes, and no possibility to make a fire, the main thing is to prevent hypothermia. To do this, take off your outer clothing one by one (starting from the head), wring it out, and put it back on. You need to change quickly so as not to freeze. In any case, look for shelter and help as soon as possible.
How to provide assistance to a victim?
- Approach the person who has fallen through the ice lying down with arms and legs spread apart;
- use improvised means (boards, ladders, poles, etc.);
- approach the victim to a distance that allows you to hand over a rope, belt, gaff, or board, then crawl back and gradually pull the victim out;
- take the rescued person to a warm room or car as soon as possible; if this is not possible, build a fire and share your dry clothes;
- to restore blood circulation, the body should be rubbed with flannel or hands (rubbing with snow is not recommended);
- if the victim's breathing is weakened, perform artificial respiration, and then give them a hot drink. Further treatment should be carried out by doctors.
Strict adherence to safety precautions on the ice is the main condition for preventing accidents! Remember that you are expected at home, and do not fall for the "bait" of your hobby or a risky temptation!