any of rio's beaches may have polluted waters within 24 to 48 hours following heavy rains. 

unfortunately, while cleaning-up efforts are underway, many of the beaches in the sepetiba bay are normally not often suitable for swimming. 

getting to the beaches in the baía de sepetiba (sepetiba bay)can take two hours each way from rio's zona sul, and we recommend starting the day very early due to intense traffic.