Questions
Questions and answers
Here are the questions that come up most often for people who are starting to spend more time by rivers and lakes. The answers are short and general; in difficult situations, follow the public safety memos of Russia's emergency ministry (EMERCOM), local rules and common sense.
Almost every question about safety by the water has a short answer: not alone, in a life jacket, with a clear plan for getting back.
How this section works: a question is included if beginners ask it often and it can be answered without medical or legal advice. Rules for swimming, boating and going on the ice differ by country and place, so check local rules.
Water
Where can I swim?
Swim where local rules allow it and pay attention to the signs on the shore. An unfamiliar bottom, currents and cold layers of water are common causes of trouble.
Why is swimming in cold water dangerous?
Cold water quickly saps your strength and can knock your breathing off when you go in. Enter the water gradually, stay near the shore and get out as soon as you start to feel cold.
What should I do if I get blown away from shore on a SUP?
Kneel or lie down on the board so the wind pushes on you less, and paddle to the nearest shore, even if it is not where you started. If you do not have the strength, call 112 (or your local emergency number).
Can I go out on the water alone?
Better not, especially at first. If you do go alone, be sure to tell someone your plan and return time, and stay close to the shore.
Ice
How thick should the ice be?
According to the public safety memos of Russia's emergency ministry (EMERCOM), ice at least 7 cm thick is safe for one person, 12 cm or more for a skating rink, and 15 cm or more for a group.
How can I tell the ice is strong?
The strongest-looking ice is clear, with a greenish or bluish tint. Cloudy, white, dark or porous ice, as well as ice under snow and near reeds, is doubtful — better not to go out on it.
What should I do if I fall through the ice?
Do not panic and do not take off your clothes. Spread your arms over the edge of the hole, climb out on the side you came from, use your ice picks, and once out, roll away from the hole and call for help — call 112 (or your local emergency number).
How can I help someone who has fallen through the ice?
Call 112 (or your local emergency number) straight away. Approach the hole lying down, not too close, and hold out something long — a rope, scarf, stick or belt. Once the person is out, crawl away from the hole together and get them somewhere warm.
Gear and clothing
Do I need a life jacket if I am a good swimmer?
Yes. Being able to swim does not protect you from hitting something as you fall, a cramp in cold water or severe exhaustion. A life jacket buys you time until help arrives.
How should I dress for the water in spring and autumn?
In layers: a moisture-wicking base layer, a warm mid layer and a windproof outer layer. Pack a change of clothes, a hat and gloves in a dry bag.
What should go in a first-aid kit?
Supplies for small cuts, grazes and blisters, plus any medication you take regularly. For a serious injury or hypothermia, a first-aid kit is no substitute for a doctor — call 112 (or your local emergency number).
What must I take onto the ice?
Ice picks across your chest, cleats on your boots, a long pole for testing the ice and a rope. And never go out on the ice alone.
Related sections
- Beginners
A step-by-step guide to your first kayak or SUP outing: preparation, launching and coming back.
- Gear
Life jacket, layered clothing, sun and cold protection, dry bag, first-aid kit and ice gear, with no brands.
- Technique
Getting into a kayak, the paddle stroke, falling off a SUP and climbing back on, wind, weather and moving on ice.
Sources
- Public safety memos of Russia's emergency ministry (EMERCOM) on behaviour near water
- Editorial materials of the Snastiurala guide
Where and when you may swim, paddle a kayak or SUP, or go out on the ice is set by local rules for each body of water, and these rules differ by country and place. Before heading to the water, check the current requirements and the warning signs on the shore.