OSVOD specialists explained how a place for swimming differs from a place to relax near the water

April 10, Minsk . According to what characteristics a body of water is considered suitable for swimming and what can be the consequences of water procedures in places of recreation near the water, OSVOD specialists told at a press conference on the topic “Preparation of places of public recreation for the warm season: improvement and development of infrastructure”, which was held by BELTA.

“There are strict requirements for swimming areas, which are examined by specialists before the start of the season. According to them, the bottom of the water area must be flat, dense, with a gentle slope without ledges, no more than 1.75 m deep, free from mud, plants, and stones. Maximum depth the coastline should be 50 cm,” said leading specialist of the RGOO OSVOD Ekaterina Mikhaleva.The opening of the beach, with or without permission to swim, is also accompanied by mandatory certification of the object. The document is issued only if the beach has all the necessary equipment and meets all sanitary standards. If swimming is not allowed in a given place, then the beach area remains only a place for sunbathing.

“In the Myadel region, for example, there are 10 places for swimming, while there are 31 places for recreation near the water. So, not all places for recreation near the water are suitable for swimming. Sometimes diving surveys, which are initiated by local authorities , show the presence of keys, holes or cliffs. It is clear that permission to swim in this reservoir will not be obtained,” said Mikhail Frolov, leading specialist of the Minsk regional organization OSVOD.

He also emphasized that in 2023, out of the total number of drowned people in the Minsk region, 13 people were in a conditionalcohol intoxication . Moreover, they all drowned in places that were not intended for swimming.

By the way, for swimming in prohibited places, if such a fact is established, administrative penalties may be applied to vacationers. As well as for drinking alcoholic beverages in recreational areas near the water, which are also public places.