Firefighters register more than 450 drownings in Rio since the beginning of Carnival
Firefighters in Rio de Janeiro have rescued over 450 individuals from drowning since the start of Carnival.
Firefighters in Brazil have reported over 450 rescues at Rio's beaches since Carnival began on Friday, February 13. The emergency services successfully saved 453 people from drowning along the shore, highlighting the dangers that beachgoers face during this festive period. Given the high number of visitors to the beaches, the risks of drowning increase significantly, necessitating vigilant preventive measures from both authorities and the public.
Between January 1 and February 15 of this year, approximately 325,000 preventive actions were carried out by the Corps of Firefighters, with nearly 4,900 incidents resulting in marine rescues. These statistics provide a glimpse into the challenges faced by the rescue teams, which are actively working to ensure the safety of individuals enjoying the beach environment. The extensive preparations have been made as part of the Summer Operation for 2025/2026, started on December 19, which has accounted for nearly 461,000 preventive measures and over 6,100 rescues across the entire coastline of Rio de Janeiro state.
Despite these efforts and the significant investment in safety measures, fire department officials stress the importance of public awareness and personal responsibility. Beachgoers must remain vigilant while enjoying the water, as the combined factors of large crowds and natural beach conditions can result in unforeseen emergencies. The Firefighters' message underscores the need for care and caution in order to minimize drowning incidents during this peak season.