Moscow has organized more than 60 pools for the Epiphany dipping. They open at 6:00 PM. All pools will have lifeguards, doctors, and police officers.
Marina Bulyga with the details on the last preparations and recommendations for those who decided to dip in an ice pool.
The Epiphany dipping begins in the evening but some people have been training since morning.
- You should try it yourself.
The pools were organized in advance. The thaw made it easier for the Mospriroda employees. Chainsaws cut the ice like butter. Some sections are cut out with a chainsaw, some are drilled manually. An ice cross was installed over the pool in Medvezhyi Ozyora. Pulling it out of the water and installing it was a tough challenge.
- Rotate it clockwise. Go on, go on!
The ice is thick. All bodies of water in Moscow are covered with a 15" layer of ice. That's enough to hold the wooden frames.
Osip Tuninsky, Mospriroda: "We've been building wooden pools for centuries. All our pools have bottoms to make sure nobody drowns".
Safety is a must. All pools will have special anti-slip ledges. The platforms will be lit and heated. For that purpose, Mospriroda will use mobile equipment. It will also install dressing tents, hot tea stands, and field kitchens.
Olga Shulgina, Mospriroda: "Last year, 2220 people came to dip. This year, the Epiphany Day is on a weekend so we expect this number to grow".
To prevent people from waiting in line in the cold, many platforms have several pools. Each will have an orderly entrance and exit lines. Those who have dipped won't mix with the people waiting for their turn.
- Nobody's bathing or swimming here. It's done pretty quickly but the rite is still being observed.
Doctors suggest preparing for the Epiphany dip in advance. One should eat one hour before the dip to increase the heat exchange, do a couple of exercises, and abstain from alcohol for a day since it slows down thermal reactions and increases blood pressure.
Andrey Tyazhelnikov, medical specialist: "When you approach the pool, you should undress slowly. First, remove your outer clothing and get used to the temperature. Right after you dip in the water, you should pat yourself dry with a soft dry towel and immediately put on dry warm clothing".
Moscow is opening 62 platforms. Epiphany pools are also organized in parks and natural resorts. The detailed map is posted on the Mospriroda website. Doctors, police officers, people's militia, lifeguards, and divers will be on duty. The Epiphany dipping begins today at 6:00 PM and ends 24 hours later.
Marina Bulyga, Valery Kupriel, Alexander Filatov, and Margarita Korolyova Vesti.
