The Rio de Janeiro Fire Department recorded 1,167 rescues between 7am on Wednesday (31st) and 7pm yesterday (1st) on beaches in Rio. According to data from the corporation, Ipanema had the most cases (399), followed by Copacabana (396) and Leme (239). Rescues also occurred in Arpoador (59), Leblon and Diabo (32), São Conrado (8), Pepino and Vidigal (1)
The fire department spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Fábio Contreiras, said that the surf that hit the coast of Rio in those days is one of the causes of these high numbers, but there is also the disobedience of visitors to the lifeguards’ instructions and the colors of the warning flags not to enter the sea.
These factors resulted in a much higher number than last New Year’s Eve, when firefighters made 29 rescues. “The big difference is that now we have very rough sea conditions,” he said.
Searches continue
Since late morning last Wednesday (31), Rio de Janeiro firefighters have been searching to find a 14-year-old boy, resident of Campinas (SP), who was swept away by the current on Copacabana Beach.. Even though he was on the edge of the sand strip, he was hit by the force of the waves, which on that day reached up to 2.5 meters.
Fábio Contreiras said that the firefighters set up a command post in front of Station 2, where the young man was seen being dragged. There was also the presence of several military personnel operating on watercraft carrying out surface searches, and the use of boats with inflatable rescue boats.
Using drones, firefighters also carry out sweeps of the coast, mainly in the south of the city, and use helicopters for daily overflights with a broader view of the coast of the state of Rio.
“In addition, divers working underwater, searching for points of interest, are guided by sonar inside vessels that point out possible objects on the seabed, which may be compatible with the size of a human being’s body,” the spokesperson reported to Brazil Agency.
According to Contreiras, this is the only case in which firefighters are carrying out searches. “There is no other search incident in relation to drownings on beaches. The 14-year-old boy is the only one we are currently searching for,” he said.
The danger of people remaining in the surf when the sea is rough, which is exactly what happened to the young man, is being carried away by a current and not being able to get out of the water.
“This is a constant warning that lifeguards give on the beaches, including the use of whistles to signal bathers to leave the sea before they drown,” he added.
