Night Swimming Trend at Praia da Redinha Raises Safety Concerns

Praia da Redinha in Natal has become a viral sensation for night swimming, attracting large crowds during the evenings. The trend was sparked by videos circulating on the internet showcasing the beach's atmosphere, illuminated by the nearby Mercado Público da Redinha and the Ponte Newton Navarro.

Visitors from various neighborhoods and even nearby cities are flocking to the location to enjoy the summer heat and warm waters. Despite the growing popularity, the Corpo de Bombeiros Militar do Rio Grande do Norte has highlighted significant dangers associated with swimming after dark. These include poor visibility and the lack of lifeguard supervision. The authorities recommend avoiding water entry after sunset and prioritizing safety by swimming only in monitored areas during the day.

The Praia da Redinha has gained widespread attention on social media, transforming into a nighttime gathering spot for the local population. The appeal lies in the unique combination of the summer heat, the warm water, and the ambient lighting provided by the Public Market situated near the Newton Navarro Bridge. This setting has created a picturesque scene that has been widely shared in videos online.

This viral phenomenon has resulted in a new habit of nocturnal bathing. The beach, located in the North Zone of Natal, is now receiving visitors from different regions of the capital. The draw is strong enough that residents are traveling from other neighborhoods and even neighboring cities specifically to visit this new point of interest.

Local sentiment regarding the new activity is largely positive. One resident of the region stated, "Pra gente que é da Zona Norte isso aqui está maravilhoso. Só alegria. A população aderiu à ideia e está lindo de verdade. Muito tranquilo e, à noite, tem essa beleza." (For those of us in the North Zone, this is wonderful. Pure joy. The population has adopted the idea, and it is truly beautiful. Very peaceful, and at night, it has this beauty.)

First-time visitors are also expressing enthusiasm for the experience. A bather interviewed at the location remarked, "A água está maravilhosa. É a primeira vez que venho, mas estou amando." (The water is marvelous. It is the first time I have come, but I am loving it.)

Despite the enthusiasm, the Corpo de Bombeiros Militar do Rio Grande do Norte (CBMRN) has issued a formal alert regarding the risks of night bathing. The primary concern is the drastic reduction in visibility after dark. This lack of light makes it extremely difficult for swimmers to identify underwater hazards.

The specific dangers highlighted by the Fire Brigade include:

• Undetected holes in the seabed
• Submerged rocks and stones
• Marine animals
• Strong correntes de retorno (rip currents)

In addition to environmental hazards, there is a critical lack of emergency resources at night. There is no regular operation of lifeguards during these hours. This absence can significantly delay or even prevent rescue operations in the event of a drowning incident. The corporation's guidance is clear: beach bathing should be prioritized during the day and strictly in areas where lifeguards are present.

To ensure public safety, the CBMRN has established specific protocols for beach visitors. The most important directive is to avoid entering the water after the sun sets. The corporation advises the public to limit swimming activities to daylight hours.

Furthermore, swimmers should only enter the water in areas that are actively monitored by professional lifeguards. This ensures that help is immediately available should an emergency occur. For any aquatic emergencies, the public is advised to contact the emergency services immediately by dialing 193.