Do not go out on the ice yet, you lunatics

However, it is far from safe to do so and Rīga Municipal Police (RPP) have issued a reminder that from Friday, November 28, people are prohibited from being on the ice in all water bodies and coastal waters in Riga.

"Taking into account the current weather conditions and meteorological forecasts, it is possible that a layer of insufficiently durable ice could form on water bodies and being on it could be dangerous," explained the RPP.

The period of increased danger on the ice of Riga water bodies is determined by an order of the Riga City Executive Director and its implementation is the responsibility of the Riga City Municipality Police. So the prohibition remains in place until further notice. 

Violations of the law are subject to a warning or a fine of up to 100 euros – plus the even more sobering thought that if you do happen to fall through thin ice, rescuers could be risking their own lives when trying to save you.