Where in the Grodno region will Epiphany bathing take place? 

January 16, Grodno. Epiphany bathing sites have been established in all districts of the Grodno region, with some districts offering two or three fonts, the Grodno Regional Department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations told BelTA .

Medical personnel, law enforcement officials, and rescuers from the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the OSVOD will be on duty at the sites equipped for Epiphany bathing.

Traditionally, a true pilgrimage to the holy fonts during Epiphany takes place in Zhirovichi, one of the spiritual Christian centers of Belarus. People come to the Holy Dormition Monastery in Zhirovichi and traditionally attend the Epiphany bathing . "Two indoor swimming pools have been set up in the agro-town, and both are popular year-round, especially during Epiphany," shared Dmitry Nagula, Chairman of the Zhirovichi Village Council of Deputies. "Both locations have pools for men and women, chapels, and natural springs."

In Ostrovets, a swimming area has been set up in the town center, on the Losha River, where the popular Island of Love is located, from where swimmers will depart. In the Zelva District, an indoor swimming pool awaits visitors next to the famous church-fortress in Synkovichi, while an outdoor pool awaits on the beach of the Zelva Reservoir, the largest in the Grodno region. In Grodno, swimmers will traditionally gather at Lake Yubileiny.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations has issued a reminder of safety precautions that anyone planning a dip in the water should be aware of. Experts recommend consulting a DOCTOR beforehand. Children under 6, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and elderly people over 65 are strictly prohibited from plunging into icy water.

Dive only into a specially equipped ice hole with a walkway and lifeguards on duty, the Ministry of Emergency Situations emphasized. Remove clothing gradually: first your outerwear, then, after a few minutes, your shoes. This will help your body adapt to the cold. It's best to wear wool socks or rubber slippers when walking to the ice hole.

Dive quickly, not staying in the water longer than a minute to avoid hypothermia. After swimming, thoroughly dry your body with a towel and put on warm, dry clothes. Hot tea will be a pleasant end to the ritual. It's best to avoid ALCOHOL. Epiphany is a celebration of light and purity, and it shouldn't be marred by alcoholic beverages.

Knowing the rules for safely plunging into the water is the key to HEALTH, rescuers believe.