Be Cautious Of Rip Currents At This Dangerous Beach In Florida

The stunning tropical state of Florida has some of the best beaches in the world. One under-the-radar spot is New Smyrna Beach. Located in Volusia County, it's about an hour from Orlando and 25 minutes from the famed spring break paradise, Daytona Beach. New Smyrna Beach's shores feature white sand, and its inviting waters attract surfers and swimmers. However, beachgoers need to be warned. New Smyrna Beach and Volusia County are known for having perilous rip currents. 

In 2023, WESH reported that 1,700 individuals had been saved from rip currents in Volusia County between early 2023 and July of that year. A few months later, on Labor Day Weekend, 286 people (via WFTV) were rescued from the water, primarily from rip currents. Because of their speed and intensity, rip currents have led to several deaths in New Symrna, including in late 2022 and mid 2023. 

Having said that, it is believed that rip currents have become increasingly prominent in Volusia County because of Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole, both of which made landfall in Florida in 2022. Ultimately, this led to the formation of sandbars, resulting in rip currents. But alas, rip currents are not the only danger lurking in New Smyrna Beach.

In 2023, Travel Lens voted New Smyrna Beach as the deadliest beach in the country. The travel website gave New Smyrna Beach an 8.14 danger score out of 10. However, this rating had nothing to do with rip currents and everything with a large number of shark attacks. In fact, Volusia County has infamously been nicknamed the "shark bite capital of the world." In 2023 alone, ClickOrlando reported that there had been eight bites in Volusia County. Luckily, none of these were severe.

The majority of these occurred in New Smyrna Beach, and more often than not, the victims were surfers. In July 2023, a 21-year-old man was surfing in New Smyrna Beach when a shark bit his left foot. Shortly after, another surfer was also bitten on the left foot. In September of that year, yet another surfer was bitten by a shark, this time on the cheek. All three individuals survived their injuries.

Experts like Gavin Naylor from the Florida Program for Shark Research (via WESH) believe the sharks convene in the area thanks to the presence of baitfish and low-visibility water. Naylor noted that the sharks are not purposely biting the surfers but end up accidentally doing so, thinking they are a meal. Nevertheless, all beachgoers need to be cautious. While surfers are more likely to get bitten in New Smyrna Beach, there have been reports of swimmers suffering shark bites.

Despite the risk of rip currents and shark attacks at New Smyrna Beach, the destination is highly rated by reviewers on Tripadvisor. Arguably, it gives nearby Daytona Beach a run for its money. Visitors will find countless eateries and shops on New Smyrna Beach's Canal Street and Flagler Avenue. Likewise, those craving a lowkey vacation can stay at The Salty Mermaid Oceanfront Hotel. It only has five rooms and provides direct beach access. However, if you're worried about the dangers associated with New Smyrna Beach, there are plenty of ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Volusia County's beaches have a flag system to warn the public about rip currents. The likelihood of rip currents is high if the flag is yellow or red. If you see a double red flag, the beach is closed. If it's green, it's unlikely swimmers will encounter rip currents. Regardless, swimming in the presence of another individual or, at the very least, a lifeguard is recommended. This will ensure you get help ASAP if caught in a rip current. Swim parallel to the shore to get yourself out of a rip current; if you can't, float until help arrives. To steer clear of sharks, stay away from low-visibility water. Note that the closer you are to the shore, the less likely you'll encounter a shark. Similarly to rip current safety, never swim or surf alone. If you get bitten (even if it's minor), get to shore and call for help.