Story at a glance
- Outforia, a publication focused on the outdoors, recently compiled data on the nation’s beaches to determine which are the most dangerous.
- The research ranks beaches on nine factors, including crime, shark attacks and water pollution, and awards a score out of 10.
- Outforia dubbed Venice Beach the most dangerous.
Each summer millions of Americans flock to beautiful beaches from Hawaii to Florida to soak up the sun and take in the scenery.
But while the U.S. is home to an abundance of pristine coastlines, not all sandy shorelines are created equal, and some can be outright dangerous.
Outforia, a publication focused on the outdoors, recently compiled data on the nation’s beaches to determine which are the most dangerous. The research ranks beaches on nine factors, including crime, shark attacks and water pollution, and provided a score out of 10.
“We wanted to carry out detailed research to discover the most dangerous coasts in the U.S., with water pollution being one factor we took into consideration,” Carl J. Borg, founder of Outforia, said in a statement.
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“Sadly, many beaches in the U.S. are home to severely polluted waters and not only does this present significant harm to the country’s marine and wildlife, it can also have effects on our health as well,” Borg added.
Here’s a list of the 10 most dangerous beaches in the U.S., according to Outforia.
Venice Beach (7.19/10) – Los Angeles
The most dangerous beach in the U.S. also happens to be one of L.A.’s most iconic. High levels of crime in the area account for Venice’s high danger score. There were 630 reported crimes in the area surrounding Venice Beach between May and September. The beach also saw the highest number of thefts and robbery, as well as violent crime. Venice also earned high marks in air and water pollution.
Daytona Beach (7.18/10) – Daytona, Fla.
High crime locked in Daytona Beach’s spot as the second most dangerous. Nearly 600 crimes were reported, including 150 thefts and robberies. The beach also blew all the others away in the number of shark attacks with 39. Thirteen “surf zone fatalities” have also been recorded since 2014.
Waikiki Beach (4.51/10) – Honolulu, Hawaii
While this beach earned one of the best marks for water pollution, it has one of the worst crime rates. At least 440 crimes were reported, including nearly 200 thefts and robberies.
Siesta Beach (4.50/10) – Siesta Key, Fla.
This beach off the coast of Sarasota has relatively low crime, but at least five shark attacks and one lightning strike fatality have been reported. Average summer temperature was also fairly high.
Carlsbad Beach (4.34/10) – Carlsbad, Calif.
This beach north of San Diego experienced a high number of reported crimes, with 517. It also scored poorly in water pollution.
Emerald Isle (4.24/10) – Jacksonville, N.C.
At least 12 “surf zone fatalities” have been reported on this beach since 2014, the second highest on the list. The beach also tied Palm Beach for second in the highest number of shark attacks, with 10.
Deerfield Beach (4.16/10) – Deerfield Beach, Fla.
The stretch of shoreline south of Palm Beach clocked two shark attacks and one deadly lightning strike. It scored a water pollution score of 47.4 out of 100.
Belleair Beach (4.00/10) – Belleair Beach, Fla.
Belleair Beach saw little crime but earned a 45.93 out of 100 in the water pollution metric and reported one lightning strike.
Malibu Beach (4.00/10) – Malibu, Calif.
The southern California beach known for its celebrity homes earned some of the worst scores for air and water pollution, and at least five shark attacks were reported. The beach was given a 61.30 water pollution score out of 100.
Hollywood Beach (3.78/10) – Hollywood, Fla.
This beach in Broward County has its fair share of crime and saw at least four shark attacks. The beach earned a 47.37 water pollution score out of 100.
The complete list can be found here.
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