Living in The Sunshine State, we have the luxury of going to the beach whenever we please, but seven out of the ten most dangerous beaches in the US are in Florida.
Since the hurricane, I just started back with my beach days about a month ago. So far, I’ve checked out Vanderbilt Beach in Naples, Fort Myers Beach and both Tarpon Bay and Bowman’s Beach on Sanibel. I realized just how much I missed my beach days while cleanup efforts were underway. Whether you’re staying local or traveling to other parts of the state, beaches can be dangerous. Of course, we don’t like to think about that part as we’re laying out, enjoying a cocktail, maybe playing a little volleyball. But unfortunately, something you look at as being fun and relaxing can come with some hazards that could even be deadly.
Recently, Travel Lens looked at different beaches around the US in terms of surfing deaths, hurricanes and shark attacks. What might not surprise you is that the deadliest beaches are along the East Coast. So thankfully here in SWFL, we have less to worry about. Though, that’s not to say you shouldn’t be careful. Fox put together a list of the top 10 most dangerous beaches in the country and seven of them are right here in Florida. You can check out the full list here, but let’s see where beaches in Florida rank.
Most Dangerous Beaches in Florida:
10. Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale has a danger score of 5.37 out of 10. This beach has seen three surf deaths and two shark attacks. Fort Lauderdale has also seen 120 hurricanes since 1851.
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
7. Jacksonville Beach
Jacksonville Beach has a danger score of 6.02 with three surfing fatalities, three shark attacks and 120 hurricane strikes.
(Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
6. Melbourne Beach
Melbourne Beach is another beach on the East Coast of Florida and has a danger score of 6.35 out of 10. Melbourne Beach has seen three surfing deaths, six shark attacks and has seen 120 hurricanes since 1851.
(Photo by Joshua Rodas/Getty Images)
4. Panama City Beach
While Panama City Beach has only had two shark attacks, surfing deaths are high with 24 since 2010. Panama City Beach has a danger score of 7.16.
(Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
3. Ormond Beach
Ormond Beach is another beach that has seen more surfing deaths (8) than shark attacks (4) and has a danger score of 7.48.
(Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
2. Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach has a danger score of 7.57.
(Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
1. New Smyrna Beach
The most dangerous beach in the US is New Smyrna Beach with a danger score of 8.14. Just in the last 13 years, New Smyrna Beach has seen 10 surfing deaths and 32 shark attacks. The area has also seen 120 hurricanes since 1851.
Aerial view of beautiful summer day in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
