America's Most Dangerous Beaches

Fantasizing about your next beach vacation? Before you pack your flip-flops and sunscreen, it’s worth taking a closer look at the potential risks. Although most beaches in America are generally safe, the ocean is a powerful force that deserves respect. Rip currents, unpredictable surf conditions, and marine life can pose serious hazards for unsuspecting visitors.

To warn travelers of the riskiest spots, researchers at Tideschart, a tide forecasting website, analyzed 528 beaches across the country to identify America’s most dangerous beaches.

The study ranked beaches on three factors: surf zone fatalities, shark attacks, and hurricanes, assigning each beach an overall safety score out of 100. 

Shockingly, America’s most dangerous beaches were all in one state—Florida. 

"While shark attacks often dominate the headlines, the real danger on Florida’s beaches stems from the ever-present hurricane threat,” said Ryan Blundell, founder of Tideschart, “Hurricanes cause powerful rip currents and storm surges, which significantly elevate the risk for beachgoers.”

Related: The Most Dangerous National Parks in America