This SC beach is among the 25 most dangerous in the US, report shows. Here’s why

Myrtle Beach is America’s 23rd most dangerous beach, according to a report by California-based Simmrin Law Group.

Of the 25 beaches ranked, Myrtle Beach is the only one outside of Florida to make the list.

The report analyzed surf zone fatalities, shark attacks and hurricanes. Here’s what you should know about those conditions in Myrtle Beach.

Surf zone fatalities

According to NOAA, the Grand Strand area from North Myrtle Beach to Pawleys Island has had 29 surf zone fatalities between 2010 and June, 2024. The months of June and July account for more than half of the deaths and more than two-thirds of fatalities occurred during rip current hazards.

The tragic loss of 17-year-old Tyrese Haynes at Litchfield Beach is the only surf zone fatality recorded by the National Weather Service in South Carolina this year.

Shark attacks

While South Carolina isn’t the most common state for shark attacks, there have been 138 unprovoked attacks recorded since 1837, according to the University of Florida’s International Shark Attack File, which tracks global data about shark attacks.

Of those attacks, 36 occurred in Horry County and eight occurred in Georgetown County, according to the database. Last year, South Carolina’s two shark attacks made up 6% of national attacks.

Hurricanes

Myrtle Beach has had 42 hurricanes recorded since 1857, according to NOAA. Only three of the storms reached Category 4 status, most recently Hurricane Diana in 1984, and the city has never witnessed a Category 5 storm.

While the area hasn’t seen a hurricane since Ian in 2022, NOAA predicts this year’s Atlantic hurricane season will be above-normal due to unusually warm ocean temperatures and La Nina.

If you’re planning a trip to Florida, these are the 10 most dangerous beaches in the US as ranked by the report:

1. New Smyrna Beach, Florida

2. Panama City Beach, Florida

3. Daytona Beach, Florida

4. Miami Beach, Florida

5. Cocoa Beach, Florida

6. Ormond Beach, Florida

7. Ponce Inlet, Florida

8. Indialantic Beach, Florida

9. Melbourne Beach, Florida

10. Miramar Beach, Florida

This story was originally published July 23, 2024 at 6:00 AM.