Recent statistics spanning over the last decade reveal that Järvi-Suomi, particularly Kuopio, has significant room for improvement regarding ice safety and movement on ice. Kuopio, known as Finland's largest summer cottage municipality, has recorded the highest number of drowning incidents related to ice. The participation of other municipalities in Järvi-Suomi in these statistics suggests a widespread need for education on winter safety in the region.

In response to the alarming statistics, the Finnish Swimming Teaching and Lifesaving Federation has initiated training programs across swimming halls in Finland, which began as pilot projects two years ago. The training focuses on teaching proper techniques for self-rescue when someone falls through the ice and emphasizes that summer swimming skills alone are inadequate for winter safety. The initiative is designed to engage a wide demographic, with participants ranging from children to seniors, indicating a strong community interest in enhancing water and ice safety.

The training sessions in Kuopio's swimming hall are seeing a steady influx of participants, with many recognizing the importance of being prepared for potential ice-related accidents. In these sessions, training simulates winter conditions, where participants learn to wear appropriate winter gear such as fishing overalls and winter boots, preparing them for real-life scenarios they may face if they fall through the ice while skiing or snowmobiling. This proactive approach aims to significantly reduce the number of drownings and improve overall situational awareness regarding winter water safety in Finland.