Adrian
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – Myrtle Beach, a beloved coastal destination for tourists and residents, is pushing back against a recent study that ranks it as the second most unsafe beach in the United States. The study, conducted by insurance company Everly Life, lists seven Florida beaches among the top 10 most dangerous, with New Smyrna Beach claiming the No. 1 spot. Other Florida beaches featured include Miami Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miramar Beach, Panama City Beach, and Ponce Inlet. The only non-South Carolina beach on the list is Oak Island, North Carolina, ranked third.
Everly Life’s analysis focused on four key risk factors: crime rates, shark attacks, drownings, and wind conditions. However, the methodology has drawn criticism for its reliance on outdated and inconsistent data, including shark attack records dating back to 1882, wind statistics from 2009–2015, and crime data from 2023. Notably, the study did not include any beaches from the West Coast or Northeast, and Everly Life has yet to respond to inquiries seeking clarification.
MEREDITH DENARI, Director of Communications and Creative Services for the City of Myrtle Beach, dismissed the study as “misleading, flawed, and clearly skewed” in a statement to Fox News Digital. Denari emphasized that the report was not peer-reviewed and accused it of prioritizing click generation over public interest. “This is evident in the use of outdated, inconsistent, and irrelevant data,” she said. “The City of Myrtle Beach was not even incorporated until 1938. I would call this study ‘fake news.’”
Denari also highlighted the city’s ongoing efforts to improve safety and revitalize its downtown area. She pointed to declining crime rates reported by the Myrtle Beach Police Department and described a recent shooting in the city’s entertainment district as a “tragic, isolated incident.” On April 26, a mass shooting left the perpetrator dead and 11 others injured, raising concerns about crime in the area. Despite this, Denari maintained that violence has no place in Myrtle Beach and that the incident does not reflect the experiences of millions of visitors who enjoy the city’s attractions annually.
MELISSA K., a seven-year resident of Myrtle Beach, echoed Denari’s sentiments. Originally from Connecticut, Melissa moved to the area for its milder weather and job opportunities. “I don’t feel unsafe here,” she told Fox News Digital. “As locals, we don’t spend much time in the downtown area where the shooting happened. Ocean Boulevard can attract unsavory behavior from visitors, but that’s not representative of the entire city.”
Melissa acknowledged that Myrtle Beach has experienced challenges in attracting undesirable elements but emphasized its affordability and appeal as a family-friendly destination. “It’s a great place to visit, golf, eat, and have a good family vacation,” she said. “You just have to be aware of your surroundings, as you would anywhere.”
Myrtle Beach officials and residents remain committed to promoting the city as a safe and welcoming destination. “Myrtle Beach is a wonderful place to live and visit for thousands of families,” Denari said. “We are focused on continuing to improve our community and ensuring that everyone who visits has a positive experience.”
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