You can’t go on the ice in Lääne County yet

In Lääne County, the ice layer is still too thin to go on the ice. The ice must be at least 10 centimeters to carry a person.

As of this morning, the small draw has an ice thickness of three centimeters, and the African beach, Valgevälja quarry and Kirimäe have a 2 centimeter ice layer. All water bodies are covered with snow. The Rescue Board measures the ice thickness of the most popular inland waters on a daily basis until the ice conditions have become stable.

Safety equipment must be provided when going on ice, even if the ice supply is 10 cm, as ice conditions can vary greatly within a body of water. The faster the water body, the more uneven the ice.

When sinking through ice, a person must take into account that the temperature of the water under the ice is only a few degrees above zero. In such cold water, an adult can withstand a maximum of 10 minutes, the child loses consciousness even earlier in water with such a temperature. It would be best if children only go skating on official and safe skating rinks and do not go to the ice of the water bodies on their own.

The Rescue Board calls on all people to be careful and attentive when staying by water bodies. If you notice an emergency or need help yourself, call the emergency number 112 as soon as possible.