Teenager Rescued from Ice in Liepāja
A teenager who fell through the ice in Liepāja was successfully rescued by firefighters and bystanders.
On Monday, before 6 PM, the State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD) received an emergency call regarding a minor who had fallen through the ice into the sea near Katedrāles iela in Liepāja, approximately 400 meters from the shore. Eyewitnesses assisted the teenager in reaching the shore, where firefighters continued the rescue operation and safely transported the individual to an ambulance. By 5:43 PM, the operation was concluded.
VUGD cautions that, despite prolonged low temperatures, being on the ice can be extremely dangerous and poses serious risks to health and life. The ice on water bodies such as the sea or bays is not uniform; it consists of separate plates that can shift and break under the wind's influence, creating fissures and accumulations. Moreover, snow cover on the ice can provide a deceptive impression that the ice is thick and stable. As wind directions change, ice plates can shift, leading to areas that were previously considered safe becoming dangerous.
Rescue agencies emphasize the importance of public awareness regarding the inherent dangers of ice-covered waters, especially during fluctuating weather conditions. This incident highlights the need for vigilance and safety precautions when near ice in the winter months, as conditions can change rapidly and unexpectedly, endangering lives, particularly those of young individuals who might not fully comprehend the risks involved.