As spring nears and Americans start planning their summer getaways, many will be lured to the nation’s stunning beaches. However, a recent study uncovers that some of these idyllic spots pose serious risks for unsuspecting travelers.

“While beaches offer relaxation and fun, they also present real risks that travelers should consider when planning their vacations,” says Meredith Bell, Director of Marketing at Everly Life. “Being aware of these potential hazards can help vacationers take appropriate precautions to keep themselves and their families safe.”

The team at Everly Life, a modern life insurance company specializing in customizable coverage, has conducted an in-depth analysis of beaches across the United States to identify the locations that present the highest risks to visitors. Their thorough study focused on four major risk factors: documented shark attacks, drowning incidents per 100,000 people, the number of months with high wind speeds, and local crime rates.

The Study
Researchers at Everly Life gathered data from multiple reliable sources, including government safety reports, meteorological data, crime statistics, and shark attack records. Each factor was normalized and assigned a weight based on its relative risk—shark attacks and drowning incidents each contributed 30% to the final score, while wind conditions and crime rates accounted for 20%. The resulting Beach Danger Score offers a comparative assessment of risk at popular U.S. beach destinations, scored on a scale from 0 to 100.

Table: TOP 10 – Most Dangerous Beaches in the U.S.

New Smyrna Beach, Florida: The Most Dangerous Beach in America
New Smyrna Beach leads the list with a danger score of 78.94, far surpassing other beaches in risk. Known as the ‘Shark Attack Capital of the World,’ this Florida hotspot has documented 303 shark attacks since records began, the highest number among all the beaches analyzed. In addition to its shark risks, the beach also has a concerning drowning rate, with 2.1 incidents per 100,000 people.

“New Smyrna Beach presents a perfect storm of risk factors,” explains Bell. “The combination of frequent shark encounters, dangerous rip currents, and frequent high winds creates hazardous conditions that visitors should take seriously.”

New Smyrna Beach: Dangerous Winds and Crime Threaten Beachgoers
New Smyrna Beach faces strong winds exceeding 20 mph for 11 months of the year, which leads to hazardous surf conditions and rip currents. Additionally, the area experiences a crime rate of 845 incidents per 100,000 people, increasing the risk of property theft for beachgoers.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Second Most Dangerous
Myrtle Beach follows closely with a danger score of 56.90, securing its position as the second most dangerous beach. The popular destination has recorded 36 shark attacks, a notable figure. However, its most alarming risk lies in its drowning incident rate, which stands at 1.7 per 100,000 people.

“What makes Myrtle Beach particularly concerning is the combination of water dangers and crime,” notes Bell. “Visitors need to be vigilant both in and out of the water.” The area has a very high crime rate of 4,344 per 100,000 people – the highest among the top beaches – and experiences dangerous wind conditions during every month of the year.

Oak Island, North Carolina: Third Most Dangerous
Oak Island ranks third with a danger score of 43.24. While the beach has fewer shark attacks (10) than the top two, it faces a relatively high drowning rate of 1.48 per 100,000 people. The beach is prone to strong winds year-round and has a crime rate of 886 incidents per 100,000 people.

“Oak Island demonstrates that shark attacks aren’t the only concern for beach safety,” Bell points out. “Strong currents and riptides can create dangerous swimming conditions even on seemingly calm days.”

Florida Leads the Danger List
The study highlights that Florida is home to 7 of the top 10 most dangerous beaches in the United States. In addition to New Smyrna Beach, beaches like Miami Beach (41.98), Jacksonville Beach (41.74), Fort Lauderdale (38.51), Miramar Beach (35.02), Panama City Beach (31.59), and Ponce Inlet (28.73) all rank among the most hazardous destinations.

“Florida’s position as a beach tourism hotspot comes with significant safety challenges,” says Bell. “The state’s warm waters and extensive coastline create ideal conditions for both recreational activities and potential hazards.”

Meredith Bell, Director of Marketing at Everly Life, commented:

“As we approach beach season, these findings serve as an important reminder that preparation and awareness are key to enjoying our beautiful coastlines safely. While we don’t want to discourage beach visits, we do encourage travelers to research their destinations thoroughly and take appropriate precautions.

“Simple steps like swimming near lifeguards, checking weather and surf conditions daily, securing valuables, and learning about local marine life can significantly reduce risks. For families visiting beaches with children, constant supervision and teaching kids about potential dangers is essential.

“Local governments in these high-risk areas should consider increasing safety measures such as expanded lifeguard coverage, better warning systems for dangerous conditions, and improved educational materials for visitors. Most beach accidents are preventable with the right combination of infrastructure, education, and personal responsibility.”

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