In recent weeks, the air temperature has remained on the plus side of the thermometer, and the warm weather has made the ice of inland water bodies fragile. In such circumstances, going on the ice is life-threatening, and in order to avoid accidents, the rescue board prohibits going on the ice of Estonian inland waterways in Northern, Western and North-Eastern Estonia from tomorrow, March 6.
Access to the ice of inland waterways is prohibited in Harju County, Ida-Viru County, Lääne-Viru County, Hiium County, Järva County, Lääne County, Pärnu County, Raplam County and Saare County.
According to the rescue board’s latest measurement results on Saturday, the ice thickness on Väiksel Viik is 30 centimeters, and the ice thickness on other Läänemaa inland water bodies that are being measured is in the same order of magnitude.
With the spring sun, the ice conditions change quickly, everyone who goes on the ice must definitely consider the danger of sinking and use safety equipment – ice spikes and a safety vest. Rescuers in southern Estonia are currently measuring the thickness of the ice more frequently, and if necessary, restrictions will also be imposed.
In southern Estonia, the ban on ice on inland water bodies is still pending, because ice conditions are different on different bodies of water. There are bodies of water where the ice is several tens of centimeters thick. “For example, the ice conditions are good on Saadjärvi, where at the moment there are still good conditions for ice sailors to exercise,” explained Arvi Uustalu, head of the prevention office. “There are also some lakes with suitable ice thickness for fishing, but you should no longer go on the ice just for fun. This especially concerns children, who must be warned and prohibited from going on the ice.”
This year, at least 16 people have lost their lives due to ice. Fishermen and children often go on the ice even when open water can be seen. Last year, 3 people drowned due to weak ice.
2024-03-05 13:00:44
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