Map Reveals Locations of America’s Most Dangerous Beaches

A recent analysis by the law firm White Law has uncovered the hidden risks lurking at some of America’s most iconic coastlines.
The firm examined key risk factors, including surf zone fatalities, shark attacks and hurricane occurrences, to rank the nation’s most dangerous beaches. Data for the analysis was obtained from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Shark Research Institute.
Each beach was assigned a score out of 100 based on these factors, and the findings are as revealing as they are cautionary.
Topping the list is New Smyrna Beach, Florida, with a score of 76.04. Known as the “shark attack capital of the world,” it has recorded an astounding 185 shark attacks in its history, according to the analysis, far surpassing any other beach.
Its location on Florida’s hurricane-prone coast further amplifies the risks, making it the most dangerous beach in America.
Close behind is Panama City Beach, Florida, with a score of 67.75. This beach has experienced 32 surf zone fatalities, the highest in the U.S., primarily because of rip currents.
Daytona Beach, Florida, ranks third with a score of 60.01. It combines a high incidence of both shark attacks and surf zone fatalities, with 18 and 44 recorded, respectively.
Florida’s Miami Beach ranks fourth with a score of 47.78. It faces a significant hurricane threat, with 124 recorded storms. Cocoa Beach, Florida, rounds out the top five with a score of 46.35. Although it has reported 26 shark attacks, none have been fatal—a surprising silver lining.
All but two of the top 25 most dangerous beaches in the U.S. were in Florida, highlighting its prevalence of shark attacks and exposure to Atlantic hurricanes.
The U.S. is the shark attack capital in the world, with 36 reported in 2023 alone, 16 of which were in Florida, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History.
“A trip to the beach should be an enjoyable experience for any visitor, no matter what time of year it is,” a White Law spokesperson said in a statement. “This study paints a fascinating insight into what risks are the most prevalent at the highest-ranking beaches.”
Despite the scary statistics, the overall risk to beachgoers remains low. For example, some 422,000 tourists visited New Smyrna Beach in 2021, according to the New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau, and no surf zone fatalities were reported that year.
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