After Lake Balaton, the Danube is starting to freeze too: But stepping on the ice could be fatal!

Budapest police have warned that going onto the ice on the River Danube is not only illegal but extremely dangerous, as parts of the river have already begun to freeze.

According to the Budapest Police Headquarters (BRFK), the unusually cold and wet weather has caused several sections of the Danube to start icing over. The warning was issued on Saturday, stressing that stepping onto the ice poses a serious threat to life.

In a video published on the police website, Lieutenant Colonel Richárd Prohászka, head of the Danube Water Police Unit of the BRFK, explained that the river’s backwaters and side branches have begun to freeze due to the extreme winter conditions.

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No safe ice anywhere in Hungary

Prohászka underlined that these icy surfaces are completely unsuitable for sports or recreational activities, adding that there is currently no natural body of water in Hungary where it would be safe to go onto the ice.

He also warned that ice sheets forming along the riverbanks are extremely sharp and pose a high risk of injury, and must not be stepped on under any circumstances.

Police advice for walkers and dog owners

The lieutenant colonel advised anyone heading to the riverbank for a walk or to walk their dog not to go alone if possible. If someone does go alone, they should always inform relatives or friends where they are going.

He stressed that if someone falls through the ice, emergency services must be called immediately by dialling 112.

Ice rescues are dangerous for helpers too

Prohászka also highlighted that attempting to rescue someone from the ice is dangerous even for those offering help. Rescuers should try to spread their weight over as large a surface area as possible and, from the shore, extend a long object to the person in trouble — such as a tree branch, rope, paddle, or ladder.

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Severe risk of hypothermia

Due to the icy water, the risk of hypothermia is extremely high. Wet clothing must be removed as soon as possible, and the body should only be warmed up gradually. Anyone pulled from icy water must be taken to hospital without delay.

Authorities continue to urge the public to take the warnings seriously and to stay well clear of frozen sections of the Danube.