The daredevils at the Danish travel website Tgt.dk have been standing neck deep in some of the most shark infested waters in the world in order to bring us their guide to the top ten most dangerous beaches. Or maybe they just consulted the International Shark Attack File. Unsurprisingly, there are no European beaches in the top ten, but if you’re planning on hitting up the North Shore, or Northern Australia, this little guide might just save your bacon. But remember, the Chinese Shark Fin industry is doing a pretty good job of obliterating the planets Shark population, so the Sharks have far more to be worried about than we do.
1. Smyrna Beach, Florida
The white sand stretches for miles at Smyrna Beach in Florida, attracting thousands of visitors every year. But in the past couple of years, this beach has seen an increasing amount of shark attacks. In 2007, 112 people were attacked around the world and 17 of these attacks occurred at Smyrna Beach.
2. Northern Shore on Oahu, Hawaii
The waters around this ocean island are filled with sharks, predominantly tiger sharks and Galapagos sharks. The most infested beach is supposedly local surfer’s favorite hot spot, Velzyland Beach.
3. Long Beach Island, New Jersey
This beach has the most dangerous shark of all— at least on the big screen. Long Beach Island inspired author Peter Benchley for his best-selling novel “Jaws,” later made into a horror film classic. In 1916, a slew of shark attacks took place but these days, there’s little risk in taking a swim.
4. West End, Grand Bahama Island
Before throwing yourself into the waters of this Caribbean island, check the water for fins first. Some of the most shark infested waters in the world surround the island, with a particularly large population of tiger sharks. There haven’t been many attacks, but last year an Austrian tourist was killed. Make sure you get your dose of Bahamas News to know what is going on there in case you plan on visiting.
5. Beaches of Brevard County, Florida
Tourists love the beautiful Cocoa Beach, Jetty Park and Klondlike Beach of Brevard County. But beach lovers beware, the last 100 years has seen a reported 90 shark attacks from the area.
6. Horry County, South Carolina
In the last 100 years, more than 50 people have been attacked on the beaches of Horry County. Most of them were swimming and surfing by the popular Myrtle Beach. But if you’re planning a trip to the area, you can breath easy. The last reported death by shark attack was in 1852.
7. Solana Beach, California
On Solana Beach, which lies near a particularly highly shark-infested area, there is a particularly high seal population. Apparently it was these seals that attracted a great white shark to the beach last year. A 66 year-old man taking his morning swim was unfortunate enough to encounter the shark and get bitten.
8. Northern Australian Coast, Australia
The box jellyfish is one of the most poisonous creatures in the world. Here, along the Northern coast of Australia, you’re not just on the lookout for sharks, but these deadly small creatures as well. In the last 100 years, 60 people have died after encountering the jellyfish and 40 people are rushed to the hospital each year.
9. Galveston, Texas
There have only been 13 reported attacks around the beaches of Galveston since 1911. Not enough for serious concern, but enough for locals to maintain a respect for the sharks.
10. Zihuatanejo, Mexico
These beaches north of Acapulco received a lot of attention last year when several people were attacked by sharks. Guards, fishermen and locals have been on the lookout ever since, and have put a stop to the attacks.
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