Nizhny Novgorod residents were reminded of the rules for safe behavior on the ice.

      Photo: Department for Civil Defense, Emergency Situations and Fire Safety of the Nizhny Novgorod Region

      The Department for Civil Defense, Emergency Situations and Fire Safety of the Nizhny Novgorod Region reminds residents of the region about rules for safe behavior on the ice during the New Year holidays.

      Each year thin ice causes fatalities; most often among the dead are children who play near frozen bodies of water without parental supervision, and fishermen who go out onto fragile and treacherous ice at their own risk.

      To avoid disaster on thin ice, you must know that the main condition is that the ice thickness must correspond to the applied load: a safe ice thickness for one person is at least 7 cm; for constructing a skating rink — 12 cm or more; for a pedestrian crossing — 15 cm or more; for vehicle passage — at least 30 cm.

      It is forbidden to go onto the ice while intoxicated, to jump or run on the ice, to gather a large group of people at one point, or to go onto thin ice that has formed on rivers with a strong current.

      What to do if you fall through the ice?

      1. Do not panic, do not make sudden movements, stabilize your breathing.

      2. Spread your arms wide to the sides and try to grab the edge of the ice so as not to submerge headfirst; if possible, move toward the edge of the hole where the current will not carry you under the ice.

      3. Carefully, without breaking the ice edge and without sudden movements, sliding forward on your chest, lie on the edge of the ice and throw first one leg and then the other onto it.

      4. If the ice holds, slowly roll away from the edge and crawl toward the shore.

      5. Move in the direction from which you came, because the ice there has already been tested for strength.

      To help a person who has fallen through the ice, arm yourself with any long stick, board, pole, or rope. You can tie scarves, belts, or clothing together. Crawl toward the hole very carefully, spreading your arms wide, and loudly tell the victim that you are coming to help — this will give them strength and confidence.

      If you are not alone, you should lie down on the ice and move one after another, placing skis, plywood, or a board under you if available to increase the support area and crawl on them. From 3–4 meters away you can extend a pole or board to the victim, throw a rope or scarf, or any other improvised means.

      Offering your hand to the victim is unsafe, because approaching the hole increases the load on the ice and you will not only fail to help but also risk falling through the ice yourself.

      Bring the victim to a warm place. Provide assistance: remove their wet clothes, vigorously rub the body (until the skin reddens) with hands moistened in alcohol or vodka, give them hot tea.

      Under no circumstances give the victim alcohol — this may lead to death. Be sure to call an ambulance so that a specialist can examine the victim.

      If you see someone fall through the ice, immediately call 112 from your mobile phone.

      Earlier it was reported that at a meeting of the Commission for the Prevention and Elimination of Emergency Situations and for Ensuring Fire Safety of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, the organization of work to ensure the safety of people on water bodies in the winter period was discussed. In particular, the heads of municipal formations in the region were instructed to equip possible access points to the ice with warning signs and informational placards, and to additionally equip places of unauthorized vehicle access onto the ice with artificial obstacles. Heads of local self-government bodies were also instructed to provide for the organization of temporary rescue posts in places of mass presence of people on the ice. In addition, it is necessary for the state inspectors of the GIMS Center of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia for the Nizhny Novgorod Region, together with representatives of interested organizations and agencies, to organize raids and patrols of water bodies, including ice crossings and places of mass access to the ice.

      Source of the news:

      Department for Civil Defense, Emergency Situations and Fire Safety of the Nizhny Novgorod Region

      More news about the event:

      - Nizhegorod residents reminded of rules for safe behavior on the ice

       The Department for Civil Defense, Emergency Situations and Fire Safety of the Nizhny Novgorod Region reminds residents of the region about rules for safe behavior on the ice. 11:34 02.01.2026 Vremya N - Nizhny Novgorod

      - The Nizhny Novgorod Region reminded residents of the rules of conduct on the ice

       The Department for Civil Defense, Emergency Situations and Fire Safety of the Nizhny Novgorod Region reminds residents of the region about rules for safe behavior on the ice during the New Year holidays. 10:17 02.01.2026 Nizhegorodskaya Pravda - Nizhny Novgorod

      - Nizhegorod residents reminded of rules for safe behavior on the ice

       Photo: Department for Civil Defense, Emergency Situations and Fire Safety of the Nizhny Novgorod Region

       The Department for Civil Defense, 09:57 02.01.2026 Government of the Nizhny Novgorod Region - Nizhny Novgorod

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