In Lviv, the city council warns community residents not to dive into water bodies on Epiphany.
On January 6, Christians will celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, known as Epiphany. The city council emphasizes that diving into water bodies on this day is not a Ukrainian tradition, and swimming is prohibited within the Lviv community. The water blessing at the lake in Horikhovyi Hai will take place without swimming. The city council stresses the spiritual aspect of the holiday, rejecting mythical ‘cleansings’ in ice holes.
‘We invite city residents to join the water blessing at 11:00 in the ‘Horikhovyi Hai’ park and at 10:00 at Rynok Square,’ said Yevhen Boiko.
Emergency experts highlight the health risks for unprepared individuals during one-time diving. Doctors urge avoiding cold water if you have minimal cold symptoms or chronic illnesses.