Caution: Thin Ice – Stay Safe Near Water in Winter

"Warning, Thin Ice!"
Remember, failure to follow safety rules on water bodies during the autumn-winter period often leads to fatalities and injuries. Autumn ice, from November to December, before stable frosts set in, is unstable. Bonded by evening or night cold, it can still support a small load, but during the day, it quickly weakens as melting water seeps through it, making it porous and very fragile, even though it retains sufficient thickness.

Rules for behavior on the ice:

• Do not go onto thin, unsteady ice.

• Do not gather in groups on specific ice sections.

• Do not approach open water areas, cracks, or holes in the ice.

• Do not slide down hills on sleds or skis onto thin ice.

• Do not cross water bodies on ice in prohibited areas.

• Do not go onto the ice at night or in poor visibility.

• Do not drive vehicles or motorcycles on the ice outside of crossings.

Things to know:
Ice is considered safe for humans if it is at least 10 cm thick in fresh water and 15 cm thick in salt water.
Ice strength is reduced at river mouths and straits.
Ice is weaker in areas with fast currents, springs, runoff water, and around aquatic vegetation, trees, bushes, and reeds.
If the air temperature stays above 0°C for more than three days, ice strength decreases by 25%.
You can determine the strength of the ice visually: blue ice is strong, white ice is half as strong, frosted or yellowish ice is unreliable.

What to do if you fall through the ice into cold water:

• Do not panic, do not make sudden movements, keep your breathing steady.

• Spread your arms to the sides and try to grip the edge of the ice, keeping your body horizontal.

• Call for help: "I’m drowning!"

• Try to carefully lie on your chest on the ice edge, then throw one leg, then the other, onto the ice.

• If the ice holds, roll over slowly and crawl back the way you came, since the ice there has already been tested for strength.

• Do not stop, head towards the nearest shelter.

• Rest only in a warm place.

If you need to help someone:

• Ask someone to call an ambulance and rescuers, or call them yourself using a cell phone by dialing "112."

• Arm yourself with a long stick, board, pole, or rope.

• You can tie scarves, belts, or clothes together.

• Crawl with your arms and legs spread wide, pushing the rescue equipment ahead of you, carefully move toward the open water.

• Stop several meters from the person in the water and throw them a rope, a piece of clothing, a stick, ski, or pole. Carefully pull the victim onto the ice and crawl together out of the dangerous area.

• Take the victim to a warm place.

• Assist them: remove wet clothing, vigorously rub their body (until the skin turns red), and offer hot tea.

• Under no circumstances should you give the victim alcohol – it can be fatal in such situations.

• Call an ambulance.