As summer beckons, beachgoers flock to the coast for sun and surf. However, the idyllic beach trips can sometimes turn tragic. Recent incidents include five drowning deaths in a small town, a shark attack in Florida, and two missing teenagers in Brooklyn.
Identifying the Risk
Analysts at Simmrin Law have identified the most dangerous US beaches by examining hurricane landfalls, shark attacks, and surf-related fatalities like rip currents. According to their findings, most of the top 10 most dangerous beaches are in Florida. Here’s a closer look at some of these perilous spots.
1. New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Topping the list is New Smyrna Beach, located 15 miles south of Daytona Beach. Known for its high frequency of shark attacks, with 185 reported incidents, it is also vulnerable to Atlantic hurricanes. Despite the alarming number, shark attacks remain rare. The beach is so notorious for sharks that visitors can buy “shark bite capital of the world” shirts.
2. Panama City Beach, Florida
Second on the list, Panama City Beach has seen a surge in drownings, primarily due to strong rip currents. Recent incidents include four drownings in one weekend, prompting the beach to close temporarily. Rip currents are dangerous underwater flows that can exhaust swimmers, leaving them stranded far from shore. Additionally, lightning strikes killed 17 people here in 2023.
3. Stuart Beach, Florida
Although not on Simmrin’s list, Stuart Beach became a tragic site in June when a Pennsylvania family was caught in a rip current. While two children managed to escape, their parents drowned despite onlookers’ efforts to guide them. This incident underscores the lethal potential of rip currents.
4. Puerto Rico Beaches
Puerto Rico leads in surf-related deaths this year, with eight fatalities due to rip currents. The National Weather Service has reported deaths at La Concha Beach and several others. In March, a US Marine was swept out to sea, with search efforts ultimately suspended in April.
5. Carolina Beach, North Carolina
While not deadly, recent rip current activity at Carolina Beach has been intense, with over 160 rescues in a single weekend. The rip tides were exacerbated by an east-southeast swell and a full moon, though conditions have since moderated. The National Weather Service continues to warn of moderate rip current risks.
Beachgoers should remain vigilant about the risks posed by rip currents, shark attacks, and hurricanes. While the allure of the ocean is strong, awareness and caution can help ensure a safe and enjoyable beach experience.