Top 5 Most Dangerous Beaches in the World- Sharks, Rip Currents, and More

I’ve been writing about beaches around the world for over seven years, so I’ve seen my fair share of dangerous beach situations. Let’s read below about “Top 5 Most Dangerous Beaches in the World- Sharks, Rip Currents, and More”.

Some beaches are very dangerous for swimmers and beachgoers, but most beaches are safe and great places to rest. Today, I’m going to talk about the top 5 most dangerous beaches in the world, based on risks like shark attacks, rip currents, and other dangers.

Top 5 Most Dangerous Beaches in the World- Sharks, Rip Currents, and More

New Smyrna Beach, Florida, USA 

New Smyrna Beach, Florida, has been the site of more than 238 shark attacks, making it the world’s shark attack center. As someone who lives in Florida and loves going to the beach, I’ve seen a few small sharks and been in a few attacks at New Smyrna over the years.

The main reason is that it is close to Ponce de León Inlet, a place where sharks like to eat. This water is great for bull sharks, hammerhead sharks, and other types. I suggest that you never swim by yourself or near food for fish. It’s not safe to wade more than knee-deep. Listen to what the beach guard says and don’t go into water that is cloudy and hard to see.

Hanakapiai Beach, Hawaii, USA

Hanakapiai Beach in Hawaii looks like an island paradise with its beautiful beach and tall mountains in the background. But if you go into its water, you could be swept away in an instant. Strong rip currents and big waves kill people here all the time.

I’ll never forget seeing a rip current pull a swimmer out to sea 100 feet away in barely any time. He was saved by lifeguards, but not everyone is that lucky. In the last 20 years, about 30 people have drowned at Hanakapiai. You should never turn away from the ocean here.

Gansbaai, South Africa

The waters off of Gansbaai in South Africa live up to their name. They were used in the shark attack thriller Jaws. As a big fan of scuba diving, I’ve had a few scary runs into great white sharks in this area.

The small waterway that runs between Geyser Rock and Dyer Island is known as “shark alley” because there are so many great white sharks that live there. People who work with shark cages and surfers and swimmers who are at risk of being attacked often go to these areas. Follow the signs and don’t swim at dawn or dusk, when sharks are most active.

New South Wales’ Fraser Island

There is a violent shark called the bull shark that lives in the water off of Fraser Island. The sandy beaches make the island look like a paradise. As someone who has swum in these seas, I can say that I have seen several sharks close to swimmers in the dark.

The low vision, lots of prey, and shallow, warm water around Fraser Island make it a great place for bull sharks to live. You should stay safe if you stay on beaches that are guarded and stay away from murky water and schools of fish. But I warn you to be careful because bull sharks can kill you here.

Playa Zipolite, Mexico

Zipolite Beach in Mexico looks like a peaceful paradise with its laid-back vibe and beautiful shores. But be careful—strong rip currents and big waves kill people here all the time.

I’m a good swimmer, but the strong sideways currents that were pulling me out to sea here were too much for me. Lifeguards keep themselves busy by putting up warning signs and saving swimmers.

Don’t swim by yourself or in parts of the beach that aren’t being watched. In case you get stuck, don’t fight the current. Just calm down and call for help. Even though Zipolite is beautiful, you should be very careful in its waters.

How to Stay Safe on Risky Beaches

The sites above are very dangerous, but you can lower your chances of getting hurt by being careful. As someone who has been to many beaches, here are my best tips:

• Swim between the flags in places that are watched over.
• Read the danger signs and follow what the lifeguard says.
• Don’t swim at dawn, dusk, or night, when animals that could hurt you are most moving.
• Don’t go into water that is cloudy and hard to see in.
• Keep an eye out for rip currents and swim parallel to the shore to get away.
• Don’t swim near places where people fish or where animals live naturally.
• Don’t swim alone; swim with other people.
• Learn the emergency signs: if you’re in trouble, raise your hand straight up.
• Be extra careful with kids and older people who are swimming.

The ocean is a strong natural force that should be respected. You can enjoy even the world’s most dangerous beaches safely if you stay aware and stay away from known dangers. If you take the right safety measures, you can focus on all the reasons people come to the world’s beautiful beaches in the first place: to rest, play, and make memories by the water.

Have you had any scary or dangerous experiences on any of the beaches above or anywhere else in the world? Tell us your stories and safety tips in the comments!