With the aim of providing more security to Rio residents and tourists during the hottest time of the year, the Rio Fire Department launched, on Friday (1st), Operation Summer 2023/2024, with an operational simulation in Copacabana, in the Zona South. The Rio Municipal Guard and the Port Authority also recently began special actions to monitor municipal attitudes and navigation rules at Praia dos Amores, in Barra da Tijuca, West Zone. The Military Police have been using drones since September to patrol the coastlines.
Firefighters announced an increase in staff, with a 20% increase in the number of lifeguards on the beaches. For next summer, the organization will have 91 recently acquired watercraft and two Side Scan sonars for underwater searches, as well as a drone that emits sound alerts for swimmers in risky situations at sea, on rocks and shores. The actions are part of an investment of more than R$31 million made by the government.
According to firefighters, other purchases are being made, such as medium-sized multi-mission vessels, 43 inflatable rescue boats, thermoses, refrigerators and other items that will reinforce the stations.
From the beginning of 2023 until now there have been more than 24 thousand maritime rescues, according to the corporation. The number means an increase of 60%, as the same period last year recorded around 15 thousand rescues.
To avoid drowning, the Fire Department recommends always looking for places close to lifeguard stations; respect signs and/or signal flags; ask the lifeguard which is the most appropriate place for swimming in the sea; do not drink alcoholic beverages and go into the sea; avoid entering the water immediately after eating and do not divert children’s attention. It is worth identifying them with their name and contact telephone number. If you know how to swim and want to swim, the advice is to practice the activity parallel to the sand and avoid places that are known as surfing spots.
Temperature in the heights
Next summer promises to be one of the hottest in Rio’s history, according to experts. One of the main concerns of Rio de Janeiro authorities is the combination of intense heat and climate change and the consequences generated by the El Niño phenomenon. Despite the summer starting in December and ending in March, the city of Rio reported that it planned actions that began in November and will last until April 2024. On the 18th, the capital of Fluminense broke a record and had a thermal sensation of 59.7ºC in Mangaratiba, in the West Zone. The number is the highest in the historical series of the Alerta Rio system, which began measurements in 2014.
Mountain region requires special attention
In Petrópolis, in the Mountain Region, the Fire Department and Civil Defense carried out, this week, a simulation to respond to natural disasters. The action, which included advanced techniques and cutting-edge equipment, is part of the preparation for the summer rains. In 2022, the city experienced the greatest climate tragedy in history, with more than 230 deaths due to problems caused by storms.
Security
According to the Rio PM, the entire region has Operation Summer, with patrolling carried out on the roads with vehicles and motorcycles. Police officers on quad bikes circulate on the sand strip and tents are used as support points for officers and references for the population
Source: CNN Brasil
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