Police officers are carrying out a range of measures at Belarusian water bodies in response to hot weather and a growing number of holidaymakers. Additional patrols have been deployed to popular recreation areas, while joint raids are being conducted with the Emergencies Ministry, the Belarusian Society for Water Rescue and volunteer patrol groups. Drones and personal mobility devices are also being used.
As the Interior Ministry press service reported, the increased police presence follows a rise in offences during the hot weather. These include swimming in prohibited areas, drinking alcohol in public, appearing in public while intoxicated, traffic violations and the theft of unattended belongings.
Particular attention is being paid to children’s safety. During the summer holidays, schoolchildren often spend time near water without adult supervision, swim in unsafe locations, dive from riverbanks and use makeshift rafts and inflatable mattresses, the ministry said. Parents are reminded that children under the age of 14 may swim only under adult supervision and in designated areas.
Forecasters have declared a red weather alert for Sunday and Monday because of the heat. Temperatures are expected to range from 30 to 39 degrees Celsius on those days.
