Caution! Light ice!

With winter approaching, when rivers and lakes are covered with ice, children and teenagers, as well as fishers, come onto the ice surface.

Children are especially careless. But even adults sometimes disregard the dangers lurking on the ice. People, immersed in fishing, often fail to take precautions and go out on light ice, putting their lives at risk.

To prepare for winter, Örken East Kazakhstan Regional Scientific and Methodological Center for Informatization and Education Development of Education Administration of East Kazakhstan region, jointly with Lieutenant Colonel A.A. Baizhuminov - an officer of Emergency Situations Department of East Kazakhstan region, held an interactive lesson to remind residents of the region about ice safety.

Stepping onto early ice for skating or crossing is extremely dangerous — it is too thin and unreliable.

Crossing frozen reservoirs in places where there are no special crossings is life-threatening. Cross only where authorized crossings and signs are available, marking safe routes onto the ice. At the same time, remember that crossing reservoirs on unmarked ice surface is extremely dangerous and often prohibited.

Safe ice has a bluish or greenish tint, and is at least 7 centimeters thick.

The ice isn’t safe until the entire reservoir is frozen solid. But even then, there can be dangerous places for skating and crossing.

These includes ice holes and areas, weakened by currents, springs, or industrial discharge.

For ice fishing enthusiasts, it is important to observe these precautions:

Avoid drilling several holes close together;

Avoid gathering in large groups in one place;

Do not fish near weak spots or open water;

Always carry a rope of 12-15 meters long.

If you find yourself in the water, immediately remove heavy clothing and, while staying afloat, try to pull yourself out onto thick, stable ice.