This weekend, the Rīga Municipal Police reported that over 200 individuals illegally walked on the ice of the Daugava River despite a newly implemented ban. Police successfully redirected 86 individuals from the ice in the Daugava, while 60 were moved from the ice along the public waters along the coastline in Vecāķi, a part of Rīga's administrative territory. Additionally, around 100 individuals were removed from the ice near Mangaļsalas.

The ban on being on the ice was enacted on Saturday following an order from Rīga's executive director, Jānis Lange, due to safety concerns as the ice may not be stable enough for public activities. Violators of this ban can face a warning or a fine of up to 100 euros. The police's enforcement measures highlighted the ongoing issue of public safety during winter months, especially regarding ice conditions in urban areas.

The actions taken by the police underline the importance of adhering to public safety regulations. Despite the clear warnings, the significant number of people engaging in such risky behavior raises questions about public awareness of the dangers posed by the ice, alongside the need for more effective communication and enforcement of safety measures during the winter season.