Rescuers warn against walking on ice

As air temperatures go up, the Rescue Service is warning people about the life-threatening dangers of walking on thinning ice on lakes and canals. Liliana Puscasu, spokesperson for the Service, said the warning is particularly timely since, as of Monday, schools will close for the traditional spring break. To avoid incidents and tragedies, both children and parents must bear in mind that the rising temperatures make the ice frail, so walking and skating on such ice is strictly forbidden. Though the most important advice is to keep off, it is also good to know that toward the middle of the rivers or ponds and at the juncture of water streams the ice is significantly thinner, and so is the ice covered by snow. Another threat are the openings left in the ice by fishermen. If someone falls through, it is paramount for the casualty to keep calm in order to preserve energy and for the rescuers to call immediately for help, without attempting to go out onto the ice themselves. The rescue should be performed by throwing something such as a rope or branch to reach the casualty, or something that floats to keep the casualty afloat until professional rescuers arrive. If the rescue is successful the casualty will need to be kept warm and treated for shock. All casualties should be taken to hospital even if they appear to be unaffected. According to the Rescue Service, from the beginning of the year 4 people died after falling through ice.