“Don’t go in the water,” my friend said.

“Why not. It’s so beautiful.”

“Sharks.”

“Sharks?”

SHARKS!

Yet, as I looked around, people were happily and ignorantly swimming in the warm inviting water. Worth the risk? I don’t think so. I didn’t need to speak Portuguese to understand the signs.

The beaches in and around Recife are some of the most dangerous in the world. People regularly ignore the colorful warning signs, especially when intoxicated, and risk life and limb, literally, by going in the water. Shark attacks are a common occurrence.

I had the privilege to spend a few days in Recife, prior to World Cup. I enjoyed tremendously the beauty of the city, and, the beaches. There were no shark attacks while I was there. However, twelve people were killed in riots during a police strike in the city. So, I guess you take risks there, in, or out of the water.

Even though the beaches in Brazil are beautiful, they are extremely dangerous.

Watch out for sharks and don’t go in the water in Brazil.

Beautiful beaches can be found in many Brazilian coastal cities, including Recife.

Beautiful beaches can be found in many Brazilian coastal cities, including Recife.

Olinda, Brazil, by the sea.

Brazilian Palm trees.

Brazilian Palm trees.

Beautiful beaches can be found in many Brazilian coastal cities, including Recife.