Astana preparing to the city Baptismal bathing

According to the tradition this holiday is accompanied by mass bathing in the ice hole. Russians and Kazakhs, Koreans and Belarusians dive into the holy baptismal water in biting frost. Georgy Savruk, the head of the water rescue service of the Department of emergency situations, Astana city:

"In places where the bathing is organized, all services of the city services will provide all safety measures, and the construction of the ice hole will prevent accidental getting of a person under the ice. The perimeter will be fenced, everything is done, the depth is regulated, etc".

Not all citizens are allowed to take part in the bathing. People with weak health, without cold training experience, children and old people are not allowed to commit this extreme act. People under the influence of alcohol will not be allowed to dive in the ice hole as well. The police will even bring them to responsibility.

Georgy Savruk, the head of the water rescue service of the Department of emergency situations, Astana city:

"People who come for the first time need to remember one thing: being in the water should be no longer than 10 seconds. It's enough to step down, dive three times and quickly go to a warm place, dry oneself, warm up, etc. One shouldn't stay In the water for a long time".

So that Astana residents commit everything correctly without any harm to the health, divers of the capital have demonstrated this action and shared golden rules.

Ivan Vlaskin, diver, II class rescuer:

"While entering the water you should stay calm, take a deep breath, and you shouldn't dive with an exhale, it's forbidden by doctors. Then you should go to a warm place and have a hot beverage. When you go out you can shout something, when you shout it is easier to breathe".

Recall that the citywide Baptismal bathing will take place in Astana at night on January 18-19 from 20.00 in two places - on the right bank near the Palace of Schoolchildren (RC "Grand Alatau") and on the left bank near the central park. There will be water rescue service of the DES on duty near the ice holes, as well as an ambulance.