60 Ukrainians Died on Ice This Winter, Reports Emergencies Service

The State Emergency Service (SES) has reported that 60 individuals, among them a child, died on Ukrainian waterways during this winter season. The SES emphasized that the most dangerous ice occurs at the beginning and end of winter, advising the public to avoid stepping onto frozen surfaces during thaw periods.

Reports indicate that from the beginning of the year to mid-February, at least 22 people had already drowned in similar circumstances. To ensure safety, the SES provided guidance for people who may find themselves in distress on ice.

If someone falls through the ice, it is crucial to remain calm and attempt to stay afloat. Panic can lead to exhaustion, making rescue efforts more difficult.

They recommend calling for help and urging those nearby to contact emergency services immediately. In cases where individuals need to escape the water, the SES highlights the importance of crawling onto the ice with one's chest while spreading arms wide to distribute weight.

It is advisable to extract legs one at a time to avoid creating further weakness in the ice. Once safely on solid ground, individuals should not attempt to stand immediately but instead roll away from the hole and crawl back toward safety.

Following rescue, it is critical to remove wet clothing and begin moving to generate body heat. The SES suggests seeking warmth indoors and, if possible, consuming hot beverages to stabilize body temperature.

These precautions are particularly vital during periods of fluctuating temperatures when ice can become deceptively weak. The winter has seen various incidents, including vehicles breaking through ice on bodies of water, contributing to rising concerns about public safety amid dangerous weather conditions.

Authorities continue to stress that increased awareness and caution can help prevent further tragedies as the weather transitions.