USA’s Most Hazardous Beaches: A Guide to Staying Safe
According to fox weather, The top 10 deadliest beaches in America are New Smyrna Beach, Cocoa Beach, Ormond Beach, Panama City Beach, Myrtle Beach, Melbourne Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Oak Island, Gulf Shores, and Fort Lauderdale. These beaches have seen a significant number of surf zone fatalities, shark attacks, and hurricane strikes.
Beach Safety 101: Know the Risks
As the weather warms up, many of us can’t wait to hit the beach and soak up the sun. But, before you pack your sunscreen and head to the coast, you should be aware of the dangers that lurk in the water.
New Smyrna Beach: The Deadliest Beach in America
New Smyrna Beach, Florida, takes the top spot with a danger score of 8.14 out of 10. Since 2010, the area has seen 10 surf zone fatalities and 32 reported shark attacks. Additionally, 120 hurricanes have impacted the area between 1851 and 2020.
Cocoa Beach: A Close Second on the Deadliest Beach List
Cocoa Beach, Florida, comes in second with a danger score of 7.57 out of 10. The area has seen several surf zone fatalities and shark attacks over the years. Like New Smyrna Beach and other beaches on the list, Cocoa Beach has been impacted by 120 hurricanes.
Ormond Beach: A Surfer’s Paradise with a Warning
Ormond Beach, Florida, ranks third with a danger score of 7.48 out of 10. The area has seen more surf zone fatalities than shark attacks, with eight surf zone fatalities and four recorded shark attacks.
READ ALSO: The Dark Side Of ‘Tough On Crime’: How New Mexico’s Laws Harm Families And Communities
Panama City Beach: A Popular Destination with Hidden Dangers
Panama City Beach, Florida, is fourth on the list with a danger score of 7.16 out of 10. The area has seen more than double the amount of surf zone deaths, with 24 since 2010. However, there have only been two recorded shark attacks over the years.
Myrtle Beach: A Family-Friendly Destination with Some Risks
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is fifth on the list with a danger score of 6.61 out of 10. The area has seen 15 surf zone fatalities and nine shark attacks. Additionally, Myrtle Beach has been impacted by 31 hurricane strikes between 1851 and 2020.
Melbourne Beach: A Sunny Spot with Some Undercurrents
Melbourne Beach, Florida, is sixth on the list with a danger score of 6.35 out of 10. The area has seen three surf zone fatalities since 2010 and six shark attacks. Melbourne Beach has also been impacted by 120 hurricanes between 1851 and 2020.
Jacksonville Beach: A Popular Spot with Some Hidden Hazards
Jacksonville Beach, Florida, is seventh on the list with a danger score of 6.02 out of 10. The area has seen three surf zone deaths and three shark attacks since 2010. Jacksonville Beach has also been impacted by 120 hurricane strikes.
Oak Island: A Quiet Coastal Town with Some Risks
Oak Island, North Carolina, is eighth on the list with a danger score of 5.54 out of 10. The area has seen eight surf zone deaths and two shark attacks. While not as high as other beaches along the East Coast, Oak Island has also been impacted by hurricanes.