How to behave on ice

Thin ice and disregard for safety regulations usually cause tragedies in winter waters.  Before stepping on the ice, you should learn about the thickness of the ice on the pond. In different areas of rivers or lakes, this thickness can be different. When one person goes on ice, the thickness shall not be less than 5-7 centimeters, for several people – at least 15 cantimeters, and for mass games ice thickness must be at least 25 centimeters.  If you are on the ice, you must walk on already trodden paths or trails on the ice, and in the absence of such, you must consider the route yourself. Before crossing a water body, punch holes on opposite sides of the crossing, in order to measure the thickness of ice. The recommended distance between them is 5 m. Also you have to bypass areas covered with a thick layer of snow, where the ice is always thinner. Be especially cautious while steping down from the shore, the ice can be loosely connected with the shore, often there are cracks in this area, and there may be air under the ice. Also, when walking on ice it is preferable to have a stick to check its sturdiness. If after the first blow with a stick the water appears on the ice or it breaks, immediately go back. The first steps should be done without taking your shoe soles from the ice and in any case do not check the strength of ice striking it with legs.
Rules for safe fishing on ice are simple: do not punch many holes close to each other, do not gather in large groups in one place, and especially near the coast. You should always carry a rope 15-20 meters in length.  Firmly tie the end of the rope to a tree or some load on the shore. And the rope must be with a loop so that in case of accident a person who is on the bank were able to help.   Unaccompanied children are forbidden to go on the ice. Remember that observance of basic rules of safe behavior will help you keep your life and the lives of people near you.