Ice Safety Rules 1. Before stepping onto the ice, check its thickness. The ice should be at least 10 cm thick. 2. Do not go onto the ice alone. It is better to be in a group. 3. Avoid skating in areas with currents or underwater obstacles. 4. Do not use the ice for sledding or other vehicles unless it has been tested. 5. If you fall into the water, try to remain calm and do not panic. Swim towards the shore. 6. In case of danger, seek help. Stay safe and enjoy winter activities!

Every year, thin ice causes the death of people. Often, among the victims are children who play near water bodies without parental supervision, and fishermen who venture onto unstable ice.

To avoid becoming a victim of seasonal danger, it is important to follow essential safety rules.

What you need to know:
 ice with a thickness of at least 7 cm is considered safe for humans;
 at temperatures above 0 ºC for more than three days, the strength of the ice decreases by 25%;
 ice is weakened at the mouths and tributaries of rivers, in areas of fast currents, spring water, drainage areas, and regions with aquatic vegetation, trees, bushes, and reeds;
 the strength of the ice can be determined visually: blue ice – strong, white ice is half as strong, gray, matte-white, or yellowish ice – unreliable.

What to do if you fall into the water:
 do not panic, do not make sudden movements, stabilize your breathing;
 spread your arms to the sides and try to grab the edge of the ice, keeping your body horizontal in the direction of the current;
 carefully try to lie on your stomach on the edge of the ice and throw one, and then the other leg onto the ice;
 if the ice holds, roll over and slowly crawl to the shore;
 crawl in the direction from which you came, as the ice has already been tested for strength here.

A URGENT REQUEST TO PARENTS: do not let children onto the ice without supervision!