It is customary in Russia to plunge into the Jordan on the day of the Epiphany. This year, despite the sharp temperature changes, will not be an exception. In the Kostroma region, 34 places have been prepared for the holiday, 3 of them in the city of Kostroma, where you can plunge into the cold Epiphany water.

For those who decide to plunge into Jordan this night, the Ministry of Emergency Situations once again reminds how to properly prepare for Epiphany bathing, as well as safety rules. In particular, that Epiphany bathing can only be done in specially equipped places where rescuers and emergency doctors will be on duty.

To avoid accidents, local authorities are in charge of constructing baptismal fonts, and during the holidays, rescuers, GIMS employees, medical workers and police officers will be on duty nearby.

IN festive night from January 18 to 19, 2016, places for warming people will be created near the baths and hot tea will be served. Taking into account previous years, about 8 thousand people can take part in Epiphany bathing, of which 4 thousand are in the city of Kostroma. Security will be provided by 260 employees from various departments.

Last year, there were no accidents or deaths in places where there was organized swimming. The most dangerous thing is visiting the Epiphany font while intoxicated, and swimming under the influence of alcohol can also lead to accidents.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations reminds that swimming is not recommended for certain illnesses. For example, in case of cardiovascular or peripheral disease nervous systems Swimming in an ice hole is generally contraindicated. Also, you should not take risks for those who have diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (peptic ulcer, enterocolitis, cholecystitis, hepatitis) and some other diseases. The main dangers of immersion in ice water are a heart attack due to vasospasm, convulsions, and the rapid development of pneumonia.

Basic rules for bathing in Epiphany fonts

Swimming without representatives of rescue services and medical workers;

Bathing children without parental or adult supervision;

Dive into the water directly from the ice;

Pollute and clog the font;

Drink alcoholic beverages, swim while intoxicated;

Bring dogs and other animals with you;

Leave glass and other debris on the ice;

Raise false alarms;

Approach the font by vehicle.

In addition, no more than 20 people should be on the ice near the ice hole at the same time; swimming in a group with more than 3 people at the same time is prohibited.

How to prepare for Epiphany bathing

Specialists from the Department of Human Safety at Water Bodies advise warming up your body by doing a warm-up or jogging before swimming in an ice hole.

It is necessary to approach the ice hole in comfortable, non-slip and easily removable shoes to prevent loss of sensation in the feet. It is better to use boots or woolen socks to reach the ice hole. It is possible to use special rubber slippers, which also protect your feet from sharp stones and salt, and will also prevent you from slipping on ice. On the way to the ice hole, you need to remember that the path can be slippery, so you should walk slowly.

It is best to plunge up to your neck, without getting your head wet, in order to avoid a reflex narrowing of the blood vessels in the brain.

Never dive into the hole head first. Jumping into water or immersing yourself in water is not recommended as it increases temperature loss and can lead to cold shock.

When entering the water for the first time, try to quickly reach the depth you need, but do not swim, you should not stay in the ice hole for more than 1 minute to avoid general hypothermia of the body.

If you have a child under the age of 9 with you, support him with both hands when immersing himself in the water and when leaving the font.

After bathing (dipping), dry yourself and your child with a terry towel and put on dry clothes.

To strengthen the immune system and prevent hypothermia, you need to drink hot tea, preferably made from berries, fruits and vegetables.

On the night of January 18-19 Orthodox world celebrates the feast of the Epiphany, or Epiphany. IN Epiphany Christmas Eve and on the very day of the Baptism of the Lord in all Orthodox churches After the Divine Liturgy, the rite of the Great Blessing of Water is performed. According to ancient belief, on this day all water becomes holy and heals any ailment. Blessed Epiphany water is the greatest shrine. It is stored throughout the year, consumed in small quantities in the morning on an empty stomach, after reading a special prayer. It is believed that by plunging into it, people are freed from sins. On this day, many will dare to swim in the Jordan - an ice-hole carved in the shape of a cross. Traditionally, on this day, thousands of believers rush to natural springs to join the sacred waters, cleanse themselves of sins and be spiritually transformed.

To ensure that the holiday is not overshadowed by an accident on the water, the Main Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations for the Samara Region urges swimmers to follow the following rules: Preparing for Epiphany bathing:- before swimming in the ice hole, warm up your body by doing a warm-up or jogging;
- you must approach the ice hole in comfortable, non-slip and easily removable shoes to prevent loss of sensitivity in your feet. It is better to use boots or woolen socks to reach the ice hole. It is possible to use special rubber slippers, which also protect your feet from sharp stones and salt, and will also prevent you from slipping on ice. On the way to the ice hole, you must remember that the path can be slippery, so you should walk slowly;
- make sure that the ladder for descending into the water is stable. At the very least, to be on the safe side, it is necessary to lower the edge of a strong, thick rope with knots into the water so that people can use it to get out of the water. The opposite end of the rope must be securely fastened to the shore. Not recommended:
- swimming in the font until it is consecrated by a representative of the Russian Orthodox Church;
- swimming without representatives of rescue services and medical workers;
- bathing children without parental or adult supervision;
- dive into the water directly from the ice;
- pollute and clog the font;
- drink alcoholic beverages, swim while intoxicated;
- bring dogs and other animals with you;
- leave paper, glass and other garbage on the ice, in wardrobes and locker rooms;
- sound false alarms;
- drive up to the font by vehicle;
- Do not dive into the hole head first, experts advise. Jumping into water and immersing oneself in water are not recommended, as this increases temperature loss and can lead to shock from the cold;
- when entering the water for the first time, try to quickly reach the depth you need, but do not swim, you should not stay in the ice hole for more than 1 minute to avoid general hypothermia of the body. In addition, no more than 20 people should be on the ice near the ice hole at the same time; Swimming in a group with more than 3 people at the same time is prohibited. After swimming (dipping), dry yourself with a terry towel and put on dry clothes. Press service of the Main Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations for the Samara Region

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On January 19, traditional mass swimming in the ice hole will take place in the Irkutsk region. On this day, all Orthodox Christians celebrate the Feast of Epiphany (Epiphany).

Swimming in an ice hole for Epiphany- an ancient tradition, according to which the participant in the ritual will forget about all illnesses for a long time.

Unfortunately, in our time, many do not see an important spiritual component in this event; swimming in the frosty Epiphany water has become more fashion trend.

Be that as it may, before a winter swim it is necessary learn basic rules and safety measures and carefully prepare for winter swimming.

1) Swimming in an ice hole requires special preparation - hardening. Otherwise, a person risks getting hypothermia, which often leads to dire consequences (including stroke and even death).

Hardening must begin several months before the bathing ritual - take contrast showers, wash cold water.

2) It is necessary to take care in advance about the clothes that you will wear after swimming. You also need to prepare comfortable shoes. It is better to choose clothes with a small number of buttons and fasteners. Also prepare a warm terry towel that absorbs moisture well.

3) Before diving, you need to eat well, but do not overeat. Better to eat something nutritious so that the body is refreshed and gains strength. Some experts recommend two hours before the swim. rub the body with olive oil or some kind of rich cream.

5) Before diving into water, you need to warm up to increase blood flow. You can squat for a while and do simple exercises.

6) You need to undress before swimming gradually, shoes should be removed last. Before bathing, you can rub your hands with cold water, this will help your body get used to the cold.

7) It’s better to stay in the water while swimming no more than two or three minutes. By the way, you should not get your head wet - this can cause arrhythmia.

8) After completing the bathing ritual, you need to wipe your body with a large towel, put on dry warm clothes, and drink hot tea.

9) The last, but no less important rule is that you should swim in an ice hole not for self-affirmation, but only for deep, spiritual reasons, because this ritual is part of a religious act.

Employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations remind residents of the region about the dangers, and also warns people suffering from chronic diseases.

Remember that the leading cause of accidents when swimming in ice water is hypothermia- the body cannot compensate for heat loss. That is why staying in the ice hole should not exceed two minutes.

Rescuers also advise those who wish to take part in Epiphany bathing: do not linger on the ice after taking it rite of Baptism, carry out orders of employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Are you planning to swim in the ice hole on January 19?

• Yes, I go swimming every year
• Yes, I'm planning to do it for the first time
• Haven't decided yet

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On January 19, Orthodox Christians celebrate the biggest holiday of the Christmas-New Year cycle - Epiphany. Despite the fact that Epiphany bathing is not a mandatory ritual and exists only as a pious tradition, thousands of believers took a dip in the ice hole last night. Ruposters Life collected pictures of Epiphany bathing from social networks.

The tradition of bathing at Epiphany exists among the Orthodox in memory of the Jordan River, in whose waters John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ. Priests and parishioners of churches go to a pond where ice is cut in advance (usually in the shape of a cross), and with prayer they plunge into the water three times.

Lifeguards and workers are on duty at Epiphany bathing sites every year emergency services. They strongly recommend that everyone who wants to plunge into the icy water first assess their own health and remind them of the need to follow the safety rules for diving into the ice hole, so as not to darken the bright tradition with any troubles.

First of all, rescuers urge you to refrain from alcoholic libations before plunging into the Jordan. Winter swimming contraindicated for people suffering from kidney disease and cardiovascular diseases, as well as those with increased arterial pressure, sick diabetes mellitus and pregnant women. To avoid accidents, it is strictly prohibited to swim in places not designated for this purpose.

RIA Novosti cites statistics from the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations for previous years, according to which frost is by no means a hindrance to Epiphany bathing in our country - last year, more than 1.5 million people swam in icy water in ice holes throughout Russia, and in 2014 this figure exceeded 1 .3 million. However, no serious incidents were recorded.

TV presenter Victoria Lopyreva, vacationing in the Maldives, originally congratulated her subscribers Instagram with baptism, plunging into the waters of the Indian Ocean. “There was no ice hole on the island,” she joked.

The shocking Nikita Dzhigurda did not stay away from the Epiphany tradition - he plunged into an artificial pond on his Rublyovsky hacienda, demonstrating to journalists not only his excellent shape and hardening, but also his blue torso from tattoos. “I do this wherever I am. Whether it’s the ocean or a river. I know that this is unity with nature. This is hardening. I douse myself with cold water every day, so I’m not afraid of catching a cold!” said the actor.

Ministry staff emergency situations Russia advised citizens to listen to their health before swimming in an ice hole on Epiphany, and before entering icy water to avoid hypothermia, drink not alcohol, but fish oil.

The press service of the capital's head office of the Ministry of Emergency Situations said that the main cause of accidents when swimming in icy water is.

Before the ice hole, rescuers advise walking in shoes, since your feet freeze first, and you need to undress before swimming gradually: first take off your outerwear, after a few minutes your shoes, and only then undress to your swimsuit.

“To keep warm, it’s a good idea to rub your body with a rich cream or drink a tablespoon of fish oil. After swimming, you first need to rub yourself well with a towel, then get dressed and drink something hot,” said the press service employee.

The department notes that swimming in Epiphany frosts is useful only for seasoned people.

“Immersion in cold water is especially dangerous for people with bronchopulmonary diseases, a weak heart, or problems with blood pressure. If it is high, then vascular spasm or a micro-stroke may occur in ice water, and if it is low, then there is a danger of convulsions or loss of consciousness,” the Ministry of Emergency Situations explained.

In addition, when swimming, we must not forget about basic safety requirements: do not leave children unattended, do not go out on the ice in large groups, do not drink alcohol and do not drive onto the ice in vehicles.

The department reported that about 800 thousand people can take part in Epiphany bathing, whose safety will be ensured by 2.5 thousand rescuers.

According to Nikolai Smirnov, head of the department of technical supervision and work on water bodies of the State Inspectorate for Light Vessels (GIMS) of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, 690 inspection units will ensure safety.

Smirnov emphasized that EMERCOM employees will use snowmobiles and hovercraft, ITAR-TASS reports.

In total, he clarified, 2,600 baths will be organized throughout the country. “It is expected that up to 800 thousand people will take part in Epiphany bathing. We base this on the experience of last year,” Smirnov said.

“Last year, where there was organized swimming, there were no deaths. But several years ago there were cases when, during these events, appropriate admission of people to the ice was not organized. And people piled up on the ice with their children and fell through,” said a representative of the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

Unauthorized hot tubs also pose a problem. “The thinnest place is unauthorized swimming areas, where there are neither lifeguards nor GIMS employees,” Smirnov said.

He clarified that in Moscow 55 “Jordans” will be prepared for Epiphany bathing on the night of January 19.

“In Moscow, 52 places have been identified where 55 baths will be prepared. Now the average ice thickness on Moscow reservoirs is 30-35 cm, which is safe for people to go out on the ice,” he explained.

Rescue teams and ambulance teams will be on duty near the “Jordans”, tents for warming people, locker rooms will be installed there, field kitchens will operate, and hot tea will be provided to those wishing to swim.

Last year, according to the capital's central office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, about 92 thousand people took part in Epiphany bathing in Moscow. At the same time, there were some incidents - two girls almost drowned while swimming in Jordan Khimki Reservoir: one stumbled on the ice and fell into a specially cut Epiphany wormwood (mine), the second lost consciousness while swimming. Both were rescued by emergency personnel.

Epiphany is a Christian holiday in honor of the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, celebrated in Russia on the night of January 19. The holiday is traditionally accompanied by mass swimming in special ice-holes called Jordans.