Jean Carlos de Souza, a 29-year-old man, tragically drowned in the Barra Lagoon in Barra Velha on Wednesday, October 11th. His body was discovered seven hours after the incident, as reported by the local fire department. The unfortunate occurrence took place when Souza attempted to cross the lagoon, which is known for its dangerous currents and shifting sands. At the time of the incident, the lifeguard station at the lagoon was closed, with the nearest operational station being approximately seven kilometers away.

Witnesses, including Souza's wife, described how he initially walked on a sandbank to chase after birds, but upon returning to his family, he lost his footing in the water. He was last seen standing in waist-deep water before he attempted to swim again. After calling for the need for a flotation device, he struggled to stay afloat, as family members nearby tried to assist him by throwing objects into the water to aid his situation, unfortunately without success.

This tragedy highlights the importance of safety measures in recreational areas, especially where lifeguard services are unavailable. Authorities are reiterating safety guidelines to prevent such accidents from happening in the future, emphasizing the need for supervision in water activities, the importance of knowing the water conditions, and ensuring the presence of safety equipment to aid potential drowning victims.