3 Deadly, But Beautiful Beaches

3 Deadly, But Beautiful Beaches

Who doesn't love the beach? You can take a swim to cool off in the summer heat, suntan on the sand, or join a game of volleyball. But not all beaches are ideal for family fun.

New Smyrna Beach

New Smyrna Beach
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A charming beach town set against a white sandy shore, New Smyrna's beaches attract hundreds of surfers every year and the town has a booming tourist industry. Unfortunately, surfers aren't the only ones drawn to the water. Known as “The Shark Bite Capital Of The World,” the area draws in fish from bass to sailfish, and sharks follow them close to shore. The sharks include bull sharks and black tips, which can grow to be as long as a man is tall. On average, there are nine unprovoked attacks every year since the data started being recorded in 1956, and because of an increasing number of people in the water, attacks are trending upward. There has never been a fatality at New Smyrna, but if you prefer to spend the summer surfing instead of in the hospital, you might want to find another beach to enjoy.

Hanakapiai Beach, Hawaii

Hanakapiai Beach  Hawaii
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Hawaii is known for its striking beauty and rich local culture, and the islands draw in millions of visitors every year. While there are many gorgeous beaches with waters perfect for surfing, you might want to think twice before heading into the water at Hanakapiai Beach. The golden beach is at the end of a two-mile hike through the beauty of the Kalalau Trail, but only the most experienced of surfers enter the water here. Without a reef to calm the incoming waves, the currents are unhindered. Multiple rip tides and cross currents combined with a violent shore break make the water dangerous for surfers and swimmers alike. If you are caught in a current and pulled out to sea, the first shore where you can escape the water is six miles away. At least 41 people have drowned here, and 15 of their bodies were never recovered due to the currents. If you decide to visit this beach, it may be wise to admire it from the shore.

Staithes Beach in Yorkshire, England

Staithes Beach in Yorkshire  England
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Unlike the first two beaches on this list, Staithes Beach isn't dangerous due to natural conditions, but because of human pollution. The sewage from several nearby farms overflowed into the sea, and the enclosed harbor prevents new seawater from diluting the contamination. Both the European Union and the Environment Agency have failed the beach for water quality standards multiple years in a row, and Surfers Against Sewage started a campaign to save Staithes' water quality. Before deciding to visit this beach, check the most recent water quality review, and consider one of Britain's other beautiful beaches.

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