Winter. Danger. Caution.

As soon as winter comes, most children, and even some adults, look forward to the freezing of ponds and lakes. This is, of course, an exciting opportunity for ice skating, and winter fishing, but safety should always be a top priority during this period. In our article, we will acquaint you with the essential safety rules. With the onset of frosty weather, you should not expect instant ice cover on reservoirs. This is a long process that depends on many factors.

Winter ice holds many unpleasant surprises, due to the temperature stress, the ice surface cracks, posing the danger not only for pedestrians or skiers, but also for vehicles, especially in areas covered with snow. It is also crucial to be careful in the area used for commercial fishing. As a result of these activities, there are ice excavations (mines, holes, trenches).

Sections of water bodies in areas with active rotting of algae are of great danger. Even in severe frosts, the ice thickness in these areas may not reach the required safety level for movement. Such areas include reed beds and the clearings within them, as well as areas with clusters of aquatic vegetation on the shoals.

The ice is also weak in areas with rapid water flow, where springs and runoff water gush, as well as in places where aquatic vegetation grows, near trees and bushes, and under a blanket of snow.

An interactive lesson on the rules of ice behavior was conducted by Örken East Kazakhstan Regional Scientific and Methodological Center for Informatization and Education Development of Education Administration of East Kazakhstan region and Emergency Department of East Kazakhstan region led by Senior Officer of Civil Defense Department, Lieutenant Colonel Almas A. Baizhuminov.

Winter is a great time for engaging in winter sports, enjoying sledding and skating, but it’s crucial not to overlook the safety rules, especially on frozen water bodies. It is important to ensure the safety of children on the ice, as well as adults should also remember to be cautious.