These Are 10 of the Most Dangerous Beaches in America – And They’re All in Florida

Be Extra Cautious at These Florida Beaches

A 2023 Travel Lens study found that 70% of America’s deadliest beaches lie on Florida’s coastline.

We’re not saying you should never swim in Florida at all – the state has some of the finest beaches in the US after all. But before you spread out that towel, read through this list to see which ones you need to be extra careful in.

Daytona Beach

If you’re headed here, know that lifeguards rescue over 2,200 people yearly from rip currents, mostly near Seabreeze Boulevard. And unless you’re a very strong swimmer, stay away from Sunglow Pier where rip currents grow stronger within 300 feet. 

Summer months (May-October) see increased shark activity, with blacktip sharks commonly mistaken for prey in murky waters near sandbars so keep your eyes peeled. And since cars are allowed to drive on the beach, always watch where you’re going.

Ponce Inlet

Red flags frequently go up here, so check the Volusia Beaches app before entering the water, as currents can reach 8 feet per second. If you spot sudden sediment clouds in the water, get out fast because that’s usually a sign of nearby shark activity. 

It’s a good idea to time your swim within 2 hours of low tide because Ponce Inlet’s rip currents are strongest during outgoing tides.

Miramar Beach

Miramar Beach ranks #10 on Simmrin Law’s danger list due to 7 surf fatalities in 2024 alone, often near sudden drop-offs. Text “SAFETY” to 31279 for daily flag updates—double red flags here mean swimming is illegal and can get you fined.

No shark attacks occur here, but avoid floating alone in deep troughs between sandbars where rip currents usually form. The western end near Silver Sands has calmer waters than the eastern stretch near Destin.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach’s “Surf District” near Sheppard Park has frequent red flags due to rough waves, so you might want to stay in guarded areas like Lori Wilson Park. We also recommend checking the Florida Healthy Beaches Program website before you go into the water so you can avoid spots that have failed water quality tests.

Try to avoid swimming after heavy rains, when bacterial contamination from runoff peaks at sites like Minutemen Causeway. Note that 12 shark attacks occurred near the Cocoa Beach Pier between 2010-2023, so while it’s not frequent, it still pays to be vigilant.

Miami Beach

The hazards at Miami Beach are more of the environmental kind. Some of the beaches like Collins Park (21st St.) and Haulover Beach South frequently fail water quality tests. You can check the @HealthyFla Twitter feed for advisories just in case.

Summer heatwaves can also push temperatures above 95°F in Miami Beach. During these days, head out to the free cooling stations at Miami Beach Regional Library or nearby parking garages.

Important: Purple flags fly here when Portuguese man-o-war wash ashore and never go for a swim when they go up. Iif stung, go to the lifeguards ASAP for vinegar first aid.

Indialantic Beach

Indialantic Beach tends to be safer than others on this list, but don’t be too overconfident. The Boardwalk area has six lifeguard towers, which means it’s one of the safest areas to swim. Consider avoiding unsupervised stretches near Paradise Beach Park and the stretch south of 5th Avenue.

Like in Miami Beach, bacterial contamination tends to spike here after it storms, especially around floating debris near Indialantic Beach. Check tide charts before you go as well, since low tide exposes sharp oyster beds near Coconut Point, while high tide strengthens rip currents.

New Smyrna Beach

You’re looking at the “shark attack capital of the world” with over 300 shark encounters since the 1880s. If you compare beaches, you’ll find 32 attacks here since 2010 – double any other U.S. beach. 

Be aware that blacktip sharks often patrol the shallows near the inlet, so avoid swimming near fishermen or surfers as chum and splashing attract them. Red flags also fly 200+ days/year here. Download the Volusia Beaches app for hourly surf zone updates.

Ormond Beach

The Granada Boulevard approach at Ormond Beach has fantastic surfing, but keep in mind that 16 shark attacks have happened here since 1984. Not a lot, but not zero either. The natural erosion near Rockefeller Gardens also creates steep drop-offs so stay within 50 feet of shore and avoid wading alone if you’re not confident in your swimming abilities.

Summer lightning strikes can happen too. Exit the beach if you hear thunder within 30 seconds of a lightning strike. Free life jacket rentals at the Ormond Beach Lifeguard Station are available.

Melbourne Beach

This is another great beach you need to be careful of. For one, The “Shark Pit” surfing zone near Spessard Holland Park has 19 recorded attacks and they typically happen at dusk. 

We suggest wearing water shoes and staying away from any seaweed piles because they usually hide jellyfish. The 20-foot rock shelf at Sebastian Inlet State Park often causes dangerous wave rebounds as well. To be safe, consider swimming only at guarded Hobbs Beach.

Panama City Beach

Ignoring the flying red flags here isn’t just dangerous. It can also land you with a $500 fine if you insist on swimming at high-risk zones like Russell-Fields Pier when they’re up.

Always wait 72 hours after heavy rains to avoid sewage runoff contamination at  spots M.B. Miller Pier. By the way, the “Miracle Strip” near Club La Vela has a high risk for drowning, so stick to guarded areas like St. Andrews State Park.