2023-12-08 10:43:02
On the shore of the Narva Reservoir. Photo: Natalya Starostina
Frosty weather has resulted in the formation of an ice cover of sufficient thickness on many inland water bodies of Estonia, and as of tomorrow, December 9, access to ice in inland water bodies where the ice cover is at least 10 cm thick is allowed. Thinner ice is not strong enough and may not be able to withstand a person. The Rescue Department measures ice thickness on the most popular inland bodies of water every day; the measurement results can be viewed on a constantly updated map.
The ice map was created so that people can easily obtain information about ice conditions on Estonia’s inland waters. This is an informative map! Everyone is responsible for their own safe behavior.
Mikko Wirkala, an expert in the Prevention Department of the Rescue Department, reminds you that when going out on the ice you must have safety equipment with you, even if the ice thickness is 10 cm, since ice conditions within the same body of water can vary greatly. “The faster the water flows, the less stable the ice,” adds Wirkala.
Having fallen through the ice, a person needs to take into account that the temperature of the water under the ice is only a couple of degrees above zero. An adult can survive in such cold water for a maximum of 10 minutes, but a child will lose consciousness even earlier. It would be better if children skated only on official and safe skating rinks, and did not go out on the ice of reservoirs on their own.
The Rescue Department urges all people to be careful and attentive when near bodies of water. After a long wait, the ice is tempting, especially for children, so we ask parents to be aware of the risks associated with fragile ice and to supervise children. If you notice that someone is in trouble or need help yourself, you need to call the emergency number 112 as soon as possible.
While on the ice:
1. Step on the places where you have already passed before.
2. Don’t go to dangerous places on the ice.
3. Don’t walk on ice in the dark.
4. If, while on the ice, signs of danger appear – the ice cracks or falls through, you must immediately distribute your body weight and leave. To do this, kneel down and quickly return the same way you came.
5. Don’t wear rubber boots. If you fall into the water, it will be difficult for you to get out of the hole.
How to behave:
1. Tell your loved ones that you are going to go on the ice!
2. If you do not hear that the ice has cracked and you are starting to fall through, you need to slow down your immersion in the water. Extend your arms and lean back. This will prevent you from being completely submerged under water.
3. The faster you get out of the ice hole, the better, because in cold water a person quickly becomes incapacitated.
4. Rescue spikes are a great helper when getting out of an ice hole. When you get out of the water, return on all fours to where you came from.
According to the Rescue Department
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