As Carnival approaches, residents of Santa Catarina (SC) are advised to check the safety of local beaches for swimming, with 67.7% deemed suitable by environmental monitoring.
With the Carnival holidays approaching, many residents and tourists in Santa Catarina are looking to enjoy the beach. It is crucial to verify the swimming conditions at these popular beaches. According to the Institute of the Environment of Santa Catarina (IMA), of the 260 monitored beach points, 176 are classified as suitable for bathing, which is about 67.69%. In Florianópolis alone, 61 out of 88 tested points are considered safe, reflecting a slightly higher percentage of 69.32%. The IMA's evaluations are conducted following the directives of the National Environmental Council (Conama). They focus on measuring the concentration of Escherichia coli, a type of bacteria typically found in human and animal waste, to determine water safety. The safety classification depends on the levels of E. coli found in samples taken over the prior five weeks. If less than 20% of samples exceed 800 E. coli per 100 milliliters, the water is deemed appropriate for bathing. Understanding these classifications is important for public health and safety, especially during a festive time like Carnival when many people flock to beaches. The beachgoers are encouraged to stay informed about the water quality to ensure their health and safety while enjoying the celebrations in the sun and surf.
