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FLORIDA - As spring break travelers head to Florida’s coastline, a new nationwide analysis is raising alarms about the potential risks lurking off the state’s shores.
According to a recent study by Tideschart, Florida is home to the most dangerous beaches in the United States.
The research assessed more than 500 beaches across the country, assigning each a safety score out of 100 based on three key risk factors: shark attacks, surf zone fatalities, and historical hurricane activity.
New Smyrna Beach, located along Florida’s east coast, ranked as the most hazardous beach in the nation, scoring 76.92 out of 100.
The beach has long held a reputation for shark activity and, according to Tideschart’s data, has seen 277 shark attacks, 12 surf zone deaths, and 126 hurricanes or hurricane-related events.
It’s frequently dubbed the “shark bite capital of the world” by marine experts due to the volume of minor incidents involving swimmers and surfers.
Miami Beach also appeared high on the list, ranking fourth overall.
Despite being one of Florida’s most iconic vacation destinations, it has recorded 13 surf zone fatalities, 17 shark attacks, and the same number of hurricanes—126—as New Smyrna Beach.
The combination of dangerous rip currents and frequent storms contributes to its ranking.
Daytona Beach and Cocoa Beach also made the list, along with several other Florida hotspots such as Indialantic Boardwalk, Palm Beach, Cape Canaveral, Miramar Beach, and Jupiter Beach Park.
These areas face a combination of natural hazards, including rough surf conditions, hurricane landfalls, and shark encounters.
While shark attacks often grab headlines, experts emphasize that rip currents are a far more frequent and deadly threat.
Surf zone fatalities, often caused by strong currents or large waves, account for a significant number of annual beach deaths.
Interestingly, the study found that Hawaii, despite its active surf culture and remote location, had some of the safest beaches in the U.S., with lower incident rates across the board.
With spring break underway and warm weather drawing crowds to the shore, officials urge beachgoers to take safety precautions—such as swimming near lifeguards, checking local surf advisories, and understanding the risks specific to each location.
Tideschart’s findings offer a sobering reminder that paradise comes with its perils, and being informed is the first step toward staying safe.