- The most dangerous beach in the U.S. is New Smyrna, driven by a high concentration of shark attacks and a large number of rescues.
- The highest number of rescues are seen in Waikiki Beach, with far more lifeguard interventions than beaches with comparable hazard metrics.
- Florida dominates the list, with seven of the ten most dangerous beaches, revealing consistent exposure to hurricanes and marine incidents.
A recent study by Good Guys Injury Law identified the most dangerous beaches in the U.S. for 2025. The research developed a composite risk index using four metrics: total shark attacks, shark attacks per mile, hurricane frequency, and estimated annual rescues. A final composite risk score (0–1 scale) was then identified for the beaches. Rankings were assigned based on descending composite scores.
Most Dangerous Beach
New Smyrna Beach, Florida is the most dangerous beach in the U.S. in 2025, with a risk score of 76.04. It leads the list due to 185 recorded shark attacks—by far the most—paired with 10.88 attacks per mile and 1,200 annual rescues. Regular hurricane activity further contributes to its position as the most hazardous U.S. beach in 2025.
Miami Beach, Florida ranks second with a final score of 67.75. Despite just 5 shark attacks, the beach sees 1,500 rescues each year, reflecting intense visitor traffic and emergency activity. Combined with consistent hurricane exposure, these risks push its score near the top.
Waikiki Beach, Hawaii holds third place with a risk score of 47.78. It sees 1,800 rescues annually, surpassing both New Smyrna and Miami. Despite ranking lower, it leads all beaches in rescue volume, though fewer hurricanes and shark incidents prevent it from outranking the top two.
Jacksonville Beach, Florida ranks fourth with a score of 46.35. With 13 shark attacks and 1,100 rescues, it falls behind Waikiki due to a lower rescue total and shorter beach length, which increases its per-mile incident concentration compared to Miami.
Cocoa Beach, Florida comes in fifth with a risk score of 41.57. It has 26 shark attacks, more than any of the previous three beaches aside from New Smyrna. However, with fewer rescues than Jacksonville and much lower attack density, it trails in the rankings.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina ranks sixth with a final score of 41.02. Though it has slightly fewer shark attacks than Cocoa (24 vs. 26), Myrtle Beach logs 1,300 rescues, placing it above Cocoa in rescue volume but just below in overall score due to lower hurricane frequency.
Melbourne Beach, Florida is seventh with a risk score of 40.92. Its 3-mile shoreline hosts 19 shark attacks, creating a high 6.33 per-mile rate, alongside 500 rescues and consistent storm threats.
Panama City Beach, Florida takes eighth place with a score of 39.84. Despite 1,000 rescues, more than Melbourne’s total, its 6 shark attacks over 27 miles result in the lowest attack density so far, pulling its score below that of Melbourne and Myrtle.
Santa Monica Beach, California ranks ninth with a final score of 39.48. With zero shark attacks and no hurricane impact, Santa Monica ranks entirely on its 1,600 rescues, which exceed all but Waikiki. Its placement below Panama City shows how a lack of natural threats still cannot outweigh human-related safety concerns alone.
Jupiter Beach, Florida rounds out the top ten with a score of 39.30. It records 10 shark attacks, 2 per mile, and 650 rescues per year, combined with a similar hurricane exposure pattern seen across Florida beaches.
A spokesperson from Good Guys Injury Law commented on the study: “Staying safe at busy or high-risk beaches means more than watching out for rip currents or marine life. Pay attention to posted flags, swim near staffed lifeguard towers, and avoid swimming alone. High foot traffic, unclear signage, and unpredictable surf can all lead to avoidable emergencies. Even popular tourist beaches can be hazardous when crowding or confusion outpaces safety readiness.”
Local News Via - MyrtleBeachSC.com
