Number of contaminated sites decreases, but swimmers are still advised to avoid contact with the sea
A bulletin released by Cetesb (Environmental Company of the State of São Paulo) on Thursday (16 January 2025) indicated that the coast of São Paulo still has 43 beaches classified as unsuitable for swimming. The condition represents a slight improvement compared to the previous week, which saw 51 beaches under alert due to the high concentration of bacteria in the water. (This is – 276KB).
Cetesb carries out weekly analyzes of water quality on beaches, considering those with more than 100 colonies of bacteria per 100 milliliters of water to be unsuitable. São Sebastião is the municipality with the most contaminated beaches, with 7 places unsuitable for swimming.
The list includes 43 beaches in different cities on the Baixada Santista, North and South Coast. Read the cities that have beaches considered unsuitable for swimming:
- São Sebastião (7);
- Ilhabela (6);
- Praia Grande (6);
- Ubatuba (6);
- Santos (5);
- São Vicente (4);
- Mongaguá (3);
- Guarujá (2);
- Itanhaém (2);
- Bertioga (1);
- Caraguatatuba (1).
Cetesb advises bathers not to enter the water on beaches marked with a red flag, due to the health risks linked to contamination. Depending on the level of contact, exposure to bacteria such as Escherichia coli e Enterococcus It can cause everything from nausea and vomiting to more serious consequences, such as intestinal or kidney infections.
