Water safety guidelines recalled for citizens of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky
In the wake of a recent 8.8-magnitude earthquake near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russian authorities have initiated a water safety campaign to emphasise safety measures in the Kamchatka Peninsula region. The campaign, running from June 1, 2022, until October 1, 2025, aims to draw attention to the importance of water safety measures, particularly in relation to tsunami risk and coastal flooding.
Focus Areas of the Water Safety Campaign:
The campaign focuses on public warnings to stay away from beaches, harbours, marinas, and shorelines immediately after a seismic event to avoid the risk of tsunami waves and dangerous currents. Residents are advised to remain in safe locations away from the coast until official notices indicate it is safe to return.
Monitoring and managing power supplies and infrastructure affected by coastal flooding and tsunami impacts in port and fishing areas are also key focuses of the campaign.
Rules and Prohibited Activities in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky:
The campaign strictly prohibits entering the ocean, beaches, and harbours during tsunami warnings or advisories due to the potential of strong currents and wave surges. Any maritime or coastal activities should be avoided until the all-clear is issued by emergency management authorities. Compliance with evacuation orders or safety advisories issued by local authorities and emergency services is also essential.
General Water Safety Rules:
Outside of tsunami risk periods, the campaign encourages the public to follow general water safety rules to reduce accidents during the summer period. These rules include:
- If caught in a strong current, do not fight it, swim towards the shore.
- In case of an emergency, call the emergency services on 101, 102, 103, or the unified number 112.
- Do not leave children unattended near the water. Teach them water safety rules.
- Swimming in certain lakes is prohibited. Warning signs have been installed on the shores.
- Swim and sunbathe only on equipped beaches.
- Do not go deeper than waist-high if you cannot swim.
- Do not stay in the water for more than 15-20 minutes to avoid hypothermia and cramps.
- It is strictly forbidden to: jump from the shore in unfamiliar places, swim beyond the buoys or far from the shore, swim while intoxicated, dive under each other, grab legs, push or pull non-swimmers into the water.
Participating Organisations:
The water safety campaign in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is being organised by the city district administration, the State Inspectorate for Small Craft of the EMERCOM of Russia for the Kamchatka Territory, and the police. Special attention will be given to recreation areas at Sinichkino, Oval, Nameless, Ozerovaya spit, Large and Small Camping, as well as Khalaktirsky beach.
The campaign's main objective is to promote water safety and reduce accidents during the summer period. By adhering to these rules and guidelines, the public can enjoy the water safely and avoid potential dangers.
In line with the water safety campaign, residents are encouraged to follow general water safety rules for outdoor-living and home-and-garden activities during the summer period. These rules include staying safe on equipped beaches, swimming within designated areas, and keeping children supervised near water. Additionally, the campaign aims to promote water safety in recreational areas such as Sinichkino, Oval, Nameless, Ozerovaya spit, Oval, Large and Small Camping, and Khalaktirsky beach.
