Two men, born in 2001 and 2002, were carried approximately 4 km from the shore of the Astana Reservoir while paddleboarding. Due to a sudden gusty wind and high waves, they were unable to return to shore on their own.
HOW THE SEARCH FOR THE MEN UNFOLDED
According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES), rescuers from the Department for Emergency Situations (DES) of Akmola Region and the city of Astana were dispatched to search for them. The search lasted around four hours, and the men were found in the reeds at 01:00.
During the search, the men had fallen asleep and did not hear the rescuers' signals. They were brought to shore, and no medical assistance was required.
WHY THE MEN WERE HELD ACCOUNTABLE
For violating safety requirements on water bodies, the men were brought to administrative responsibility under Article 412 of the Administrative Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan ("Violation or failure to comply with safety rules on water bodies").
Rescuers recommend taking weather conditions and forecasts into account, as well as paying attention to strengthening winds and wave height. In adverse weather conditions, they advise against going out on the water.
