Brazil once again positions itself as one of the most chosen destinations by Argentinians during the summer. However, behind the image of white sands and clear waters, a concerning environmental scenario emerges: the pollution advancing on its beaches.
A recent survey on the quality of marine water raised alert signals in the middle of the summer season. Thus, the tourist enjoyment coexists with a structural problem that deepens year after year.
The situation is not homogeneous, but the deterioration affects a large part of the coastline and exposes an environmental crisis that can no longer be concealed.
A worrying diagnosis
During the summer of 2026, about 70% of the monitored beaches were not suitable for swimming. This data marks the worst record of the last decade and reflects a sustained deterioration.
The measurements, conducted between November 2024 and October 2025, show that only a minority maintained optimal conditions consistently. Consequently, the coastal map evidences a widespread degradation.
Moreover, a large number of resorts were classified as regular, bad, and very bad, according to official environmental parameters.
Tourist areas under pressure
The report focuses on specific sectors of highly frequented destinations such as Balneario Camboriú, Bombas, Bombinhas, Florianópolis, Botafogo, Arpoador (Ipanema), Buzios (Armação beach), Guarujá, and Ilhabela.
These areas concentrate a high tourist flow and strong coastal urbanization. Therefore, the impact of human activity becomes more evident in the water quality.
In many cases, these are beaches near ports, densely populated cities, or mouths of contaminated watercourses.
The causes of coastal pollution
The deterioration of the sea is due to a combination of environmental and structural factors. On one hand, heavy rains carry waste and urban effluents into the ocean.
On the other hand, deficiencies in basic sanitation worsen the problem. Insufficient or non-existent sewage systems discharge untreated waste into the sea.
Added to this is the disorderly urban growth, which pressures fragile ecosystems and exceeds the natural absorption capacity of the coasts.
Risks to health and the environment
Swimming in contaminated waters poses concrete health risks. Among the most common conditions are gastrointestinal diseases and various skin and respiratory infections.
Gastroenteritis appears as the most common condition, although the impact varies depending on exposure and the health status of each person. Therefore, prevention is key.
In addition to human damage, pollution alters marine biodiversity and affects the balance of coastal ecosystems.
Recommendations for responsible tourism
In this scenario, it is recommended to avoid unsuitable beaches, especially after heavy rains. Likewise, it is important not to enter the water near rivers or canals.
Consulting the official reports of each state becomes an essential tool for tourists and residents. In this way, the information allows for safer decisions.
Finally, the challenge is collective: protecting the sea involves demanding sanitation policies, planning urban growth, and promoting tourism that cares for the environment.
