The State Emergency Service of Ukraine announced on March 11 that 60 individuals lost their lives on waterways during the winter months. This tragic statistic includes one child.
In a Facebook post, the agency urged citizens to avoid venturing onto ice, especially as temperatures begin to rise.
“With the first signs of warming, ice becomes particularly treacherous: positive temperatures and sunlight weaken it from within, even if the surface appears solid,” the service warned.
Authorities emphasized key safety guidelines regarding ice conditions. It is critical not to step onto ice whose thickness and strength are unknown, and individuals should not test the ice by striking it with their feet. For safe passage, the ice should be at least 7 cm thick for one person and 15 cm for a group.
Typically, the strongest ice has a greenish hue. In contrast, gray and dull ice is dangerous, as it consists of a mixture of water and snow containing numerous air pockets, making it fragile. Additionally, gray or spotted ice should be avoided, as it may conceal water or currents beneath, indicating a loss of strength that could lead to sudden breaks. Areas covered by thick snow, regions with fast currents, and spots near frozen bushes, reeds, and industrial discharges should also be avoided.
When ice fishing, it is important to maintain a safe distance between holes, with a minimum of 5-6 meters apart, since multiple openings in a small area can significantly weaken the ice.
The State Emergency Service of Ukraine reported 60 deaths on ice during the winter, including one child. They urged the public to heed safety guidelines as temperatures rise, making ice conditions increasingly dangerous.