Even if the temperatures drop below zero, the ice on ponds and lakes is yet thin and staying on it is thus dangerous. The warning was issued by the Civil Protection and Emergencies Service, which launched a dawning prevention campaign on January 5. Specialists staged simulations, improvising a situation when a fisherman fell under the ice and rescuers saved him, IPN reports.

Under the scenario, the man was brought to the shore in less than five minutes and the doctor on duty performed resuscitation maneuvers. The rescuers presented rescue measures, calling on the people not to ignore the advice of specialists.

The rescuers urge fishermen to avoid catching fish on ice as the layer of ice is thin and can yield under their weight. In the middle of ponds and lakes, the ice is thinner than near the shore and can even remain unfrozen.

According to the Civil Protection and Emergencies Service, 44 persons fell under the ice in 2016, but were rescued. So far this year the rescuers have saved four men who collapsed under the ice.