While Central Florida’s beaches offer beautiful views, they are being called some of the deadliest in the U.S. in a new report.To determine which beach is the most dangerous to visit, a report from TravelLens considered the number of deaths in surf zones and from shark attacks and hurricanes.According to the study, the deadliest beach in America is New Smyrna Beach with an overall hazard score of 8.14.Shark attacks at New Smyrna Beach have totaled 32 since 2010, averaging about three attacks per year. There have been 23 more shark attacks on this Florida beach than on any other beach, and it's thought that NSB has 10 times more shark bite incidents than any other place in the U.S. "It doesn't really scare me too much. I grew up here," Volusia County resident and surfer Caylah Tallacksen said. "I've been surfing here since I was little and I've kind of just gotten used to being around the sharks and marine life here.""It's a beautiful beach. It's such a great place to visit. I don't think it's going to change any people's minds about being here, but I think people need to be just aware and cautious," visitor Tom Appelfeller said. "I try to surf with other people so if anything happens they're there for me and always make sure that the staff is around," Volusia County resident and surfer Brody Bittle said. Cocoa Beach is in second place, scoring 7.57 out of 10 for total risk. There have been seven fatalities in the surf zone on the beach, equal to the number of shark attacks recorded.Ormond Beach rounds out the top three with a 7.48 hazard rating.Seven out of the top 10 most hazardous beaches are located in Florida, which was the state most severely damaged by hurricanes. Since 2010, there have been four shark attacks and eight surf zone deaths at Ormond Beach.Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue officials said an average of seven to 10 shark bites are counted in the county each year – the same for the number of drownings.They also rescue about 3,000 people from rip currents yearly. "The reality is the ocean like any other wild place has potential dangers," said Chad Truxall, the executive director of the Marine Discovery Center. Truxall said despite that, the reward far outweighs the risk. "The runs of fish and sharks and sea turtles arriving I mean I can go on and on – is it dangerous? Sure, but I'm still more concerned about the drive to the beach than I am when I get there," Truxall said. "I encourage you to get out there. I will bet you that you will come out with a different viewpoint."Finally, with 24 fatalities in the surf zone since 2010, Florida's Panama City Beach has been named the most hazardous beach for surfing.Daytona Beach, which has 16 deaths in a surf zone since 2010, has come in second.Top headlines:Deputies: 2 women robbed, sexually attacked by masked man at Orlando bus stopUnion members reject Disney's new contract proposal 19-year-old man accused of sexually battering 12-year-old neighbor in KissimmeeState moves to revoke liquor license of The Plaza Live after drag show performance
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — While Central Florida’s beaches offer beautiful views, they are being called some of the deadliest in the U.S. in a new report.
To determine which beach is the most dangerous to visit, a report from TravelLens considered the number of deaths in surf zones and from shark attacks and hurricanes.
According to the study, the deadliest beach in America is New Smyrna Beach with an overall hazard score of 8.14.
Shark attacks at New Smyrna Beach have totaled 32 since 2010, averaging about three attacks per year.
There have been 23 more shark attacks on this Florida beach than on any other beach, and it's thought that NSB has 10 times more shark bite incidents than any other place in the U.S.
"It doesn't really scare me too much. I grew up here," Volusia County resident and surfer Caylah Tallacksen said. "I've been surfing here since I was little and I've kind of just gotten used to being around the sharks and marine life here."
"It's a beautiful beach. It's such a great place to visit. I don't think it's going to change any people's minds about being here, but I think people need to be just aware and cautious," visitor Tom Appelfeller said.
"I try to surf with other people so if anything happens they're there for me and always make sure that the staff is around," Volusia County resident and surfer Brody Bittle said.
Cocoa Beach is in second place, scoring 7.57 out of 10 for total risk. There have been seven fatalities in the surf zone on the beach, equal to the number of shark attacks recorded.
Ormond Beach rounds out the top three with a 7.48 hazard rating.
Seven out of the top 10 most hazardous beaches are located in Florida, which was the state most severely damaged by hurricanes.
Since 2010, there have been four shark attacks and eight surf zone deaths at Ormond Beach.
Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue officials said an average of seven to 10 shark bites are counted in the county each year – the same for the number of drownings.
They also rescue about 3,000 people from rip currents yearly.
"The reality is the ocean like any other wild place has potential dangers," said Chad Truxall, the executive director of the Marine Discovery Center.
Truxall said despite that, the reward far outweighs the risk.
"The runs of fish and sharks and sea turtles arriving I mean I can go on and on – is it dangerous? Sure, but I'm still more concerned about the drive to the beach than I am when I get there," Truxall said. "I encourage you to get out there. I will bet you that you will come out with a different viewpoint."
Finally, with 24 fatalities in the surf zone since 2010, Florida's Panama City Beach has been named the most hazardous beach for surfing.
Daytona Beach, which has 16 deaths in a surf zone since 2010, has come in second.
Top headlines: