On Saturday, despite an official ban imposed by Riga's city authorities, numerous individuals chose to walk on the precarious ice of the Daugava River, particularly drawing the attention of local police. Reports indicate that by the end of the day, authorities had redirected 59 people from the ice, mainly foreigners who were unaware of the dangers involved. Additionally, in Vecāķi, police informed 40 more individuals about the restrictions on ice presence in the Baltic Sea due to safety concerns.

This situation arose after the Mayor of Riga, Jānis Lange, enacted a decree prohibiting residents from accessing the ice, prompted by safety recommendations from the Security, Order, and Corruption Prevention Committee. The local police have taken proactive steps to ensure compliance with the ban, conducting preventive discussions with violators and monitoring the situation through city surveillance cameras and drones.

Sunday morning commenced peacefully, as the police continued their vigilance over water bodies. The enforcement actions underline local authorities' commitment to ensuring public safety in the face of potentially hazardous conditions, emphasizing the need for residents to adhere to safety regulations, especially during the winter months when ice becomes unstable and life-threatening.