Ice is present, but the danger persists: this winter, nine bodies were recovered from the water bodies of the Kharkiv region.

During the winter of 2024/2025, the bodies of nine individuals were retrieved from water bodies in the Kharkiv region, compared to eleven drownings in the previous winter.

This was reported by Alexander Hubar, the head of the technogenic safety department of the emergency situations prevention management of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in the Kharkiv region, during a broadcast on "Novaline" radio.

He emphasized that with the cold weather, ice began to form on the water bodies, and once again urged fishermen and parents not to neglect safety rules.

Previously, emergency services provided the residents of the region with the following advice:
— Check the thickness of the ice.
— Do not go onto the ice if you do not know where the holes, cracks, or other dangerous areas are located.
— Do not allow children to play alone on the ice.
— Inform your loved ones about where you are going and when you plan to return.

If you fall through the ice:
— Do not panic; remain calm and assess the situation rationally.
— Call for help loudly so that someone can hear you.
— Carefully attempt to get back onto the ice without making sudden movements.
— If possible, use branches, boards, or other objects to increase your support area.