Caution! Thin ice!

A person only needs to spend 15 minutes in cold water for the situation to end in a most regrettable manner. At water temperatures of 5-15°C, exposure time of up to four hours becomes dangerous; at 2-3°C, exposure for more than 20 minutes becomes fatal; at temperatures from 0 to -2°C, a fatal outcome can occur after just 10 minutes.

Potential victims include ice fishing enthusiasts. According to statistics, one-third of victims are intoxicated. Besides fishermen, children also drown. However, no one is 100% insured against the consequences of extreme immersion, so it is important to observe simple safety rules.

• Remember that ice at least 7 cm thick is considered relatively safe. It is green or bluish-green in color. Dirty, brownish-gray ice is usually already thawing and weak. By the way, at a temperature of 0°C maintained for three days, the ice strength decreases by 25%.
• Ice is considered weak near river mouths and channels, close to springs and drainage waters, as well as trees, bushes, and reeds.
• Do not test the ice strength by jumping on it or stamping your foot.
• Dress appropriately 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.
• Do not drill ten holes close together and do not gather on the ice

in large groups.

It is imperative to talk to children about the dangers of playing on the ice. The safest option is for them not to go out on the ice at all, neither under adult supervision nor, especially, alone.