Florida is one of the world’s best vacation destinations.
And the pro-freedom policies of Governor Ron DeSantis have also attracted a lot of new residents.
But the frightening reality about Florida beaches is still a lurking threat to any visitor.
Florida beaches a destination
The sunny weather and picturesque beaches draw tourists from all over the world to Florida for vacation.
It’s called the Sunshine State for a reason.
Florida’s beaches consistently show up on lists ranking the top beaches in the United States.
However, a new study found that beachgoers in the Sunshine State have something else to worry about other than rays, waves, and sand.
Researchers at Simmrin Law compiled a list of the most dangerous beaches in America based on three sets of criteria.
Beaches were ranked in order of danger by shark attacks, risk of hurricanes, and surf zone fatalities such as undertow and rip currents.
Simmrin Law reported that the ten most dangerous beaches in the country are all in Florida.
New Smyrna Beach, Florida, on the state’s Atlantic coast, topped the list as the most dangerous beach in America.
Simmrin Law said that it ranked number one for a reported 185 shark attacks and being at high risk for a hurricane landing.
Panama City Beach, Daytona Beach, Miami Beach, and Cocoa Beach ranked in the top five of the top ten list.
According to Simmrin Law Group lead attorney Michael Simmrin, the risk of hurricanes put Florida beaches over the top with respect to others in the country.
Simmrin said, “While shark attacks often grab headlines, Florida’s beaches rank so high due to the ever-present hurricane risk. . .Hurricanes create dangerous rip currents and storm surge, raising the overall risk for beachgoers. With summer approaching and vacations on the minds of many Americans, this study shows the importance of putting safety first when considering a trip to the beach.”
Myrtle Beach in South Carolina was the only beach in the top 25 that was not located in Florida.
Florida shark attacks
Unfortunately for the Sunshine State, it also led the pack in shark attacks.
The Florida Museum of Natural History’s International Shark Attack File observed that the state has the most unprovoked shark attacks of any location in the world.
Volusia County, Florida, home of New Smyrna Beach, was the top spot for unprovoked shark attacks with an eye-popping 351 since 1882.
Brevard County came in second place with 158 shark attacks.
The museum classifies unprovoked shark attacks as “incidents in which a bite on a live human occurs in the shark’s natural habitat with no human provocation of the shark.”
The museum also noted that shark attacks are most likely to occur in Florida during July, August, and October.
Despite Florida beaches being ranked on the most dangerous list, tourists have not been scared away at all.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has watched Florida break tourism records under his leadership.
Informed American will keep you up-to-date on any developments to this ongoing story.
