Our Beautiful Florida Beaches Are Much Crappier Than You Think
Last April, our beautiful Florida beaches were given a not-so-subtle reminder that things are not always what they seem. People were told to steer clear of the ocean due to the unsavory presence of feces. Forget about avoiding a colossal shark, be advised to keep their distance from…well, you know.
It turns out our nation’s beaches are swimming in more than just fun and sun. According to the New York Post, over half of our beloved beaches are contaminated with…poop! Yes, you heard that right, poop and sewage are turning our waters into a not-so-refreshing bowl of toilet soup.
A staggering 55% of the 3,100 beaches tested last year had fecal contamination that reached unsafe levels. That’s enough to make any beachgoer think twice before taking that majestic dive into the ocean. And if you thought Texas was all about big hats and bigger barbecues, think again. Their beaches ranked among the worst, with a whopping 90% of them deemed unsanitary.
But it’s not just the Lone Star State that’s in deep…well, you know. The Gulf Coast, West Coast, and the Great Lakes all had their fair share of contaminated shores. In fact, the Gulf Coast took the top prize for being the most polluted, followed closely by the West Coast and the Great Lakes. Louisiana and Pennsylvania, with their Lake Erie beaches, were crowned the top offenders among the states, boasting a perfect 100% failure rate in terms of safety. Quite an achievement, isn’t it?
This Stinks:
So, what’s causing this tidal wave of toilet trouble? Well, it seems our sewage infrastructure is in dire need of some serious TLC. With sanitary sewers overflowing a mind-boggling 75,000 times per year, it’s no wonder our beaches are becoming more like giant litter boxes. And let’s not forget the role played by urban sprawl, which paves over wetlands and forests that once happily absorbed rainfall and filtered pollution. Mother Nature must be shaking her head in disappointment.
If you’re still not convinced to stay out of the water, consider this: swimming in fecal-infested seas can lead to respiratory disease, ear and eye infections, and even skin rashes. Yikes! That’s enough to make you appreciate a simple dip in a bathtub. And if you’re a fan of shellfish, think twice before indulging. Those little critters could be carrying gastrointestinal illnesses like hepatitis A and norovirus. Shellfish roulette, anyone?
Now, I’m not here to ruin your summer vacation dreams. But it’s important to stay informed and check beach advisories before making that plunge into the waves. The ocean may be vast and beautiful, but it’s also filled with things that should stay far, far away from your swimsuit.
Seven Out Of The Ten Most Dangerous Beaches In The US Are In Florida
10. Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale has a danger score of 5.37 out of 10. This beach has seen three surf deaths and two shark attacks. Fort Lauderdale has also seen 120 hurricanes since 1851.
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
7. Jacksonville Beach
Jacksonville Beach has a danger score of 6.02 with three surfing fatalities, three shark attacks and 120 hurricane strikes.
(Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
6. Melbourne Beach
Melbourne Beach is another beach on the East Coast of Florida and has a danger score of 6.35 out of 10. Melbourne Beach has seen three surfing deaths, six shark attacks and has seen 120 hurricanes since 1851.
(Photo by Joshua Rodas/Getty Images)
4. Panama City Beach
While Panama City Beach has only had two shark attacks, surfing deaths are high with 24 since 2010. Panama City Beach has a danger score of 7.16.
(Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
3. Ormond Beach
Ormond Beach is another beach that has seen more surfing deaths (8) than shark attacks (4) and has a danger score of 7.48.
(Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
2. Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach has a danger score of 7.57.
(Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
1. New Smyrna Beach
The most dangerous beach in the US is New Smyrna Beach with a danger score of 8.14. Just in the last 13 years, New Smyrna Beach has seen 10 surfing deaths and 32 shark attacks. The area has also seen 120 hurricanes since 1851.
Aerial view of beautiful summer day in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
