The faithful who use to dive on Epiphany are warned to do it only in specially outfitted places, with stairs, and to warm up before entering the water. The stay in the water should not be longer than 10 seconds. When going out, the person should dry the body with a towel and put on warm clothes so as to avoid hypothermia. The recommendations were formulated by the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations.

“The General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations comes with a series of recommendations for the citizens to be protected in situations related to the risk of diving on Epiphany,” the Inspectorate’s press officer Liliana Pușcașu has told IPN.

Specialists warn the adults not to leave the children unsupervised. The persons who drink alcohol are recommended not to dive on Epiphany.

“Employees of the Inspectorate talked to church officials and persons in charge of such activities and urged them to be careful and to make sure everything is safe,” said Liliana Pușcașu.

According to the old church calendar, Epiphany is observed on January 19. The tradition says that the people who will dive in rivers or lakes on this day will be lucky throughout the year.