Epiphany bathing: rescuers gave recommendations on safety rules

January 18, MINSK. Rescuers gave advice on how to protect yourself while dipping at Epiphany. This was reported to BelTA by the press service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

“People with symptoms of an acute respiratory viral infection should delay their dipping into the hole,” the department noted. “Everything that hurts and becomes chronically inflamed in such a cold will only worsen. Children who did not know about hardening before, people with hypertension, diabetes, tuberculosis, kidney problems, gynecological diseases, and even pregnant women are at particular risk. They should refrain from diving into cold water altogether."

Rescuers recommend eating a hearty meal a couple of hours before leaving the house. "As you know, food is energy, and you will really need it. Next, pay attention to choosing a wardrobe. Prepare not only warm and comfortable clothes, but also those that quickly unfasten and fasten. This is so that when you get out of the water, you don't freeze," the rescuers stressed. "Also a mandatory attribute is a hat, preferably a rubber (tourist) rug, so as not to make a triple axel when changing clothes and break your tailbone. Do not forget that walking barefoot on ice is a very dubious skill, so grab a pair of maximally studded and easily removable shoes, as an option, warm woolen socks."

“When going down, do not climb headlong into the water - the vessels of the brain are hardly ready for such a shock,” the rescuers added. “Shock from the cold is a real phenomenon that occurs due to the rapid loss of body temperature. At the same time, do not be afraid and come in into the water immediately to the desired depth. In general, it is undesirable to stay in the hole for more than 1 minute. As soon as you get back on your feet, warm up: rub yourself with a towel, change into dry clothes, drink something hot, but not ALCOHOL. "

The first signs that the body is in a state of shock are chills, blue skin, lips, painful fingers and toes. If all this is manifested in a mild degree, physical education will help: intense exercises will warm up the body.

"Do not forget that you are still on the ice. And the same rules apply here as during winter fishing. Bathing children is only under the supervision of parents or adults. Go behind special fences, bring animals with you and jump from a crowd of friends on the edge of the polynya is also not recommended," the Ministry of Emergency Situations added.