Thin ice can be dangerous

The ice has not yet fully covered the lakes and rivers, but many people are already going out onto it. It is important to remember that for safe presence on the ice, its thickness must be at least 7 centimeters. It is also important to remember a number of other rules for safe behavior:

- do not go onto the ice without necessity;
- before going onto the ice, ensure its strength;
- if you need to cross a body of water, try to do so only in good visibility;
- do not walk on the ice along the shoreline, in places where streams and rivers flow in, where snow accumulates, near factory and farm outfalls, and in reed and bush thickets;
- walk carefully;
- without lifting your soles off the ice, check the ice in front of you with a stick;
- do not go onto the ice in fog, snowfall, or rain.

If you fall through the ice:

- do not panic;
- call for help;
- try not to submerge your head in the water;
- move towards the direction of your fall;
- spread your arms and crawl onto the ice with your chest;
- throw a leg onto the ice and roll away from the hole;
- after getting out of the water, do not rush to stand up to avoid falling in again – crawl to the shore following your tracks.

Now we invite you to test your knowledge and take the quiz. Next to the correct answers, place  ü (there may be several correct answers)

1. Which actions on the ice are incorrect?
¨    drilling multiple holes close to each other
¨    gathering in large groups on the ice
¨    checking the strength of the ice by kicking it
¨    checking the strength of the ice by carefully stepping on it

2. Which of the following can be a rescue tool?
¨      a stick
¨      a board
¨      a life jacket
¨      a rope

3. What color is unreliable ice?
¨      dirty
¨      green
¨      brown-gray
¨      blue
¨      white

4. What thickness of ice is considered relatively safe?
¨      at least 3 cm
¨      at least 5 cm
¨      at least 7 cm
¨      at least 30 cm

Correct answers:

1) 1,2,3;      2)1,2,3,4;     3)1,3,5;     4)3.