More than 60% of those who drowned in the Vitebsk region since the beginning of the year were intoxicated

August 25, Vitebsk . More than 60% of those who drowned in the Vitebsk region since the beginning of the year were in a state ofALCOHOL intoxication . This information was voiced at a meeting of the commission for the implementation of Directive No. 1 in the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, where measures to prevent deaths in the water and ensure safety when using beaches were discussed, a BELTA correspondent reports.

The number of deaths in water has increased in the Vitebsk region. Statistics for seven months show 43 drownings, three of which involved minors. Compared to the same period last year, 33 people died, two of whom were minors. According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations , as of August 25, 57 people drowned in the northern region, more than 60% of whom were not sober.

"Unfortunately, this trend (an increase in deaths compared to last year) is repeating itself, especially in terms of those who died after drinking alcohol - 25 people. In ten cases, there are no forensic medical examination results yet. If we talk about the reasons, the main one is the carelessness of citizens, swimming in prohibited places, on unequipped beaches," they noted at the meeting.

There have been two drownings recorded while using watercraft - in both of them people were intoxicated. The death of a 5-year-old girl in the Miory district occurred due to the negligence of her parents in her private yard.

Among the districts where an increase has been observed are Vitebsk, Polotsk, Postavy and Sharkovshchinsky. In order to prevent deaths in the waters, working groups have been created in the districts of the region and cities to inspect the places used as beaches.

OSVOD notes positive experience in organizing recreation areas in two districts of the Vitebsk region, and the corresponding work was carried out there mainly before the start of the swimming season. "During this year, the Ushachi District Executive Committee has done significant work . Most of the water area has been cleaned, work has been done to improve the beach itself, water has been supplied, lighting has been connected to the rescue post, and toys have been purchased for the children's sandbox by the Executive Committee. A swimming pool has been organized, the bottom of the beach water area has been cleaned. I would also like to note the Vitebsk District - significant work has been done to improve the beach on Lake Polonskoye, optimal conditions for safe recreation of citizens have been created," they noted at the meeting.

Residents of the northern region can relax and swim on 66 beaches (these are certified places), however, 14 of them do not have rescue facilities. The corresponding signs and plates are installed near bodies of water where swimming is prohibited. "The work done by water users and executive committees is insufficient," they emphasized at the meeting. "Inspections have shown that not all places dangerous for swimming have prohibitory signs. In particular, Lake Tulovskoye in the Vitebsk district near the dam, Lake Gorodno also near the regional center (where two people drowned this year), the quarry on Kalinina Street in Polotsk (a minor drowned here in June)."

There are 12 rescue stations, one maneuverable search group, 37 rescue posts operating on water bodies in the northern region. They are staffed and equipped with the necessary equipment. To equip the diving and rescue service, a procedure is underway to purchase 70 wetsuits, two cargo-passenger vehicles, five rescue boats, 15 rowboats, more than 40 scuba gear and other necessary equipment.

At the meeting of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, two main issues were discussed: the progress of the month-long campaign to ensure safe working conditions during the harvest and measures to prevent deaths in the water, including ensuring safety on the beaches.