In Ukraine, 22 people drowned in bodies of water over the past week, including six children.

In the past week, 22 individuals have lost their lives in water bodies, including 6 children. Rescuers are urging people not to take risks by venturing onto the ice.

This information was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing a message from the State Emergency Service on Facebook.

It has been reported that in the Kherson region, three children fell through the ice: two boys aged 9 and 13, and a 14-year-old girl. Another incident occurred in the Odessa region, where three boys fell through the ice at a local pond and tragically drowned.

"Remember: there is no such thing as more or less safe ice. Even ice that appears strong at first glance can give way at any moment. Don’t take risks!" - rescuers emphasize.

Winter Safety Rules for Water Bodies

In winter, do not walk on thin ice or test its strength by kicking it; always use a stick for this purpose. Avoid jumping or running on the ice, and do not gather in large groups in one spot.

When moving on the ice, watch the surface closely, steer clear of hazardous areas, and avoid spots with bushes and grass. If the ice is not strong enough, stop and retrace your steps while keeping your feet in contact with the surface.

If someone finds themselves in icy water and there is no one nearby, they should spread their arms wide and try to stay afloat. Vigorous movements in the water can lead to rapid cooling. Without making sudden movements, try to crawl back onto solid ice in the direction you came from and then crawl towards the shore, pushing off from the edge of the ice with your feet.

As a reminder, we previously reported that several emergencies on water were recorded in Ukraine over three days - in 4 regions, children fell through the ice, and in three cases, they did not survive.