Riscos de incidentes aquáticos nas áreas balneares do estado do Tocantins

Abstract

The present research deals with the risks of aquatic incidents in the bathing areas of Tocantins: drownings, incidents involving boats, stingrays and piranhas. The state has the largest chain of freshwater beaches in the country and the second largest Brazilian hydrographic basin, the Tocantins-Araguaia, with a vast water network and possibilities for the establishment of numerous beaches and spas. In addition, Tocantins holds the 5th most critical index in relation to drowning deaths, with an average of 71 deaths per year, which generates an annual cost of around 14.9 million reais for Brazil. With that in mind, the main goal of the research was to analyze the risks of aquatic incidents at the official bathing areas in the state of Tocantins. As far as methodology is concerned, this is an exploratory study, with quantitative and qualitative approaches, carried out in 2022, with an emphasis in the month of July, when the state's official beach season takes place. To this end, data were collected from the Tocantins State Military Fire Department, the Tocantins State Health Department, the Araguaia-Tocantins River Captaincy and field research was carried out. Data were analyzed from 76 bathing areas on the existence of risks of aquatic incidents and the measures taken to mitigate them. The field data were obtained on site by Military Firefighters on duty, interviewing Civilian Lifeguards, municipal drowning prevention agents, beachgoers, boaters and local authorities. The data analysis shows us the importance of mapping and studying the risks of aquatic incidents, which can support actions, projects and public policies to combat drowning and mitigate other risks of incidents in aquatic leisure areas in order to improve planning and reduce costs for the preservation of lives. It also addresses the importance of rivers and their influence on the formation of population groups and the development of cities, as well as their use for water leisure and touristic activities.