SC has one of the deadliest beaches in the US, ranking shows. Here’s where
Myrtle Beach was named the fifth most deadly beach in the country, according to a ranking by website Travel Lens.
Myrtle Beach experienced 15 surf zone fatalities and nine shark attacks between 2010 and January 2023. It has also had 31 hurricanes on record, the website said.
The list was based on ocean surf zone fatalities (deaths by rip or other currents), shark attacks and number of hurricanes.
Three people have drowned in the ocean in the Myrtle Beach area so far this year, according to National Weather Service data. This matches the total number of ocean deaths in 2022, but is less than the six fatalities in 2021 and five fatalities in 2020.
On July 20, a 20-year-old swimmer was reported missing near 25th Ave. S in Myrtle Beach and the body of a 72-year-old was found after his boat was discovered empty in Pawleys Island.
July is the deadliest month for surf zone fatalities in the Myrtle Beach area, with 10 people drowning during that month since 2010.
The Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Karen Riordan, said in a statement, “The Chamber and Visit Myrtle Beach cannot vouch for the accuracy and veracity of this report. We find these national reports to be misleading at best. With that said, we always promote information to inform residents and visitors on the need for safety at our beaches and pools.”
Here are the deadliest beaches in the United States, according to Travel Lens.
New Smyrna Beach, FL
Cocoa Beach, FL
Ormond Beach, FL
Panama City Beach, FL
Myrtle Beach, SC
Melbourne Beach, FL
Jacksonville Beach, FL
Oak Island, NC
Gulf Shores, AL
Fort Lauderdale, FL
