Epiphany 2026: where in Kyiv you can dive into an ice hole
6 January 06:46
Today, January 6, Orthodox and Greek Catholics celebrate the Epiphany. Traditionally, many people like to dip into an ice hole on this day. The Kyiv City State Administration reported where in Kyiv this day it will be possible to perform this rite, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
At the same time, Kyiv residents were urged to refrain from mass events on Epiphany, and to follow safety rules when swimming. One should dive only in specially prepared places, strictly follow the recommendations of rescuers and the restrictions in force under martial law.
For the safety of citizens, on January 6, from 8:00 to 17:00, rescuers and medical support will be on duty at pre-inspected locations:
From 08:00 to 17:00, 12 specially prepared locations for safe immersion in water will be open in Kyiv.
How the swimming places have been prepared
According to the Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change Adaptation of the Kyiv City State Administration, all official locations
- have been inspected by divers of the Pleso communal enterprise, the bottom has been cleared of dangerous objects;
- equipped with safe access to water and changing cabins;
- will be under the constant supervision of rescuers, lifeguards and medical workers.
Official locations for diving in Kyiv
Holosiivskyi district:
- galernyi beach
Desnianskyi district:
- troyeschyna beach
Dniprovskyi district:
- beach “Children’s”
- beach “Venice”
- beach “Telbin”
- beach “Rainbow”
- beach “Rainbow”
Obolon district:
- lake Verbne
- jordan Lake
- beach “Pushcha-Vodytsia”
- natalka recreation area
- the beach on Obolon Island.
A map of official swimming locations is available at the link published by the Kyiv City State Administration.
Important rules for diving
The Department emphasizes that you can dive only in designated and prepared places and strictly follow the recommendations of rescuers.
When swimming, you should
- enter the water gradually, without sudden movements;
- the recommended time in the water is 10-15 seconds, the maximum time is up to 1 minute;
- do not dive headfirst, especially if you have no hardening experience;
- after leaving the water, do not stay in the cold.
After immersion:
- do not rub the skin, but gently pat dry with a towel;
- immediately put on dry, warm clothes and shoes, warm up with warm tea or water;
- alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Who is not recommended to swim
Immersion in an ice hole is not recommended for people with cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, symptoms of ARVI or general deterioration of health.
In case of dizziness, weakness, or sharp pain, you should immediately contact the medical staff on duty at the locations.
It is also emphasized that in the event of an air raid, you should immediately leave the area near water bodies and go to the nearest shelter.
Subway operation
The Kyiv Metro reported that, as in previous years, the second lobby will be temporarily opened at the Hydropark metro station. It will be open on January 6 from 10:00 to 18:00.
The city authorities call on Kyiv residents to be responsible, not to endanger themselves and others, and to strictly follow all safety rules during the celebration of Epiphany.
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