About 40 people drowned in the Vitebsk region in July

August 2, Vitebsk / Olga Bogacheva - BELTA /. In the Vitebsk region, about 40 people drowned in July, the Vitebsk regional organization of OSVOD informed a BELTA correspondent based on operational data. In the past month, only adult residents of the region became victims of water. In total, since the beginning of the swimming season in June-July, 50 people have died on the water, including one child (in June), which is 12 people less compared to the same period last year. Accidents occurred in the vast majority of the region's districts, with the exception of Polotsk, Braslavsky, Verkhnedvinsky, Orshansky, Rossonsky, Chashniksky, Ushachsky, and Shumilinsky districts. In almost 50% of cases, alcohol was the cause of drowning. Among other common causes are violations of safety measures. "People carelessly overestimate their strength during long swims, do not use life jackets on watercraft, dive in unfamiliar places or without considering their own health condition, and with a sharp immersion in water due to temperature differences, spasms can occur, which then lead to death," stated OSVOD employees, urging the public to treat their own lives responsibly. Meteorologists predict a new heatwave for the upcoming weekend. The temperature in the Vitebsk region will again tend towards 30 degrees Celsius. "Many will spend these days near reservoirs. But it should be remembered that alcohol and water are incompatible, children near water should not be left unattended even for a moment. Minors who cannot swim should not be allowed to swim in deep water on inflatable rings, and in general, for their own safety, recreation should take place in guarded and equipped areas," recommended OSVOD.