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Moscow Finalizes Epiphany Bathing Setup With 40 Sites and 1,300 Rescuers

City agencies say comprehensive safety measures will support the traditional immersions.

Overview

  • The city prepared 40 organized bathing locations alongside 13 specially cut holes in 12 parks, available from 18:00 on January 18 to 18:00 on January 19.
  • More than 1,300 firefighters and rescuers will be on duty to oversee bathing and provide fire safety at churches during overnight services.
  • Sites feature wooden platforms, anti-slip descents with handrails, lighting, rescue gear, heated changing tents, food points, and portable toilets.
  • Specialists measured ice thickness, checked pond bottoms, and will maintain visual control with escorts and hovercraft patrols to deter unsanctioned bathing.
  • Temporary potable water will be supplied to churches lacking centralized service via provisional pipelines or tanker deliveries, with emergency crews stationed near houses of worship.