Woman dies after 'pool chemical poisoning' during swim lesson with husband & teen in ICU

Tragedy at São Paulo Gym: Woman Dies in Suspected Pool Chemical Poisoning

Feb. 9, 2026 at 9:07am

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A routine swimming lesson turned tragic in São Paulo, Brazil, on Saturday, February 8, 2026, when Juliana Faustino Bassetto, 27, died after exposure to what authorities believe was a dangerous mixture of pool chemicals. Her husband remains in serious condition, and their 14-year-classic child is in intensive care.

Why it matters

This incident highlights a concerning trend: the potential for serious harm due to improper handling of pool chemicals. While rare, such incidents can have devastating consequences, as tragically demonstrated in São Paulo. It underscores the need for stringent safety measures and comprehensive training for those responsible for pool maintenance.

The details

Juliana, along with her husband and teenage child, were participating in a regular swim lesson at the C4 GYM Academy when they noticed an unusual smell and taste in the water. Alerting their instructor, the students were evacuated, but it was too late for Juliana. She and her husband were rushed to hospital, where Juliana tragically succumbed to cardiac arrest. Two other individuals who visited the pool also reported feeling unwell but have since been discharged from medical care. Investigators discovered approximately 20 litres of a potentially poisonous chemical mixture at the scene, which is currently undergoing analysis.

  • On Saturday, February 8, 2026, the incident occurred at the C4 GYM Academy in São Paulo, Brazil.

The players

Juliana Faustino Bassetto

A 27-year-old woman who died after exposure to a dangerous mixture of pool chemicals during a swim lesson.

C4 GYM Academy

The gym where the incident took place, which allegedly lacked an operating license, raising questions about safety protocols and oversight.

Detective Alexandre Bento

A detective from the 42nd Police Precinct who stated that authorities are focusing on identifying those responsible, including the swim instructor and the person who mixed the chemicals.

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What they’re saying

“Preliminary investigations suggest a chemical reaction occurred, contaminating the air and causing the poisoning.”

— Detective Alexandre Bento, Detective, 42nd Police Precinct

What’s next

The gym has been closed by health authorities pending the outcome of the investigation, and authorities are focusing on identifying those responsible for the improper handling of the pool chemicals.

The takeaway

This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in recreational water facilities. By implementing robust safety measures and providing comprehensive training, we can help prevent similar incidents and protect the health of swimmers.