Rip Currents, Road Risks and Shark Zones: The Carolinas’ Coastal Dangers Exposed

The beaches of North and South Carolina may look like perfect summer escapes — golden sand, calm tides, and lively boardwalks. Yet beneath the surface of the Atlantic, a far more complex story unfolds.

A comprehensive study by Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers has analysed 25 years of fatal incident data, revealing that more than 600 lives have been lost along the Carolinas’ coastlines since the year 2000. The findings expose the regions and beaches where danger is most concentrated — and highlight how a few small safety steps could save lives every year.

---

Myrtle Beach Tops the Tragic List

With millions visiting every year, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, stands as both the most popular and the most perilous destination on the map. Between 2000 and 2024, the city recorded 230 fatalities linked to drownings, shark incidents, and DUI-related crashes — more than any other beach in the Carolinas.

The data includes 135 drownings, 20 shark encounters, and 75 alcohol-related road deaths across nearby beach communities. Despite vast visitor numbers — an estimated 19 million annually — safety challenges persist year after year.

“The volume of visitors and unpredictable surf conditions create a perfect storm,” a spokesperson for Auger & Auger said. “Even the most experienced swimmers can be caught out by rip currents that develop in seconds.”

---

Outer Banks and Folly Beach Not Far Behind

North Carolina’s Outer Banks ranked second with 152 recorded deaths, including 28 shark attacks, the highest concentration in the region. Its long, isolated stretches of coastline mean swimmers are often far from lifeguard coverage, and emergency response times can be significant.

In contrast, Folly Beach, South Carolina, ranked lower in total fatalities but highest by death rate, with 93 deathsacross only 1.2 million annual visitors — roughly 77 fatalities per million. That makes it statistically the most dangerous beach in the Carolinas.

Other beaches identified as high-risk include Wrightsville Beach, NC, and Hilton Head Island, SC, which both report consistent drownings and DUI fatalities despite smaller visitor counts.

Rank	Beach Location	Drownings	Shark Attacks	DUI Fatalities	Total Fatalities	Annual Visitors	Fatalities per 1M Visitors
1	Myrtle Beach, SC	135	20	75	230	19,000,000	12.1
2	Outer Banks, NC	90	28	34	152	3,500,000	43.4
3	Folly Beach, SC	45	8	40	93	1,200,000	77.5
4	Wrightsville Beach, NC	25+	3	18	46	800,000	57.5
5	Hilton Head, SC	30	5	35	70	2,500,000	28.0

---

Tourist Fatalities: A Preventable Problem

Over half of all drowning victims identified in the report were out-of-state visitors, highlighting the dangers of underestimating local conditions. Calm surf and shallow water can appear harmless — yet rip currents remain the leading cause of fatal incidents in the Carolinas.

Equally concerning is the rise of DUI-related crashes in coastal counties. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that alcohol is a contributing factor in one in three beach-area fatalities, particularly during summer weekends.

“Most people prepare for the fun parts of their trip — where to stay, what to see,” explained the study’s author. “Few take time to check safety warnings or local DUI laws. That gap in awareness is often what turns a holiday into heartbreak.”

---

Shark Attacks: Uncommon but Uneven

Although shark attacks are statistically rare, they remain an unavoidable part of Carolina coastal life. The Outer Bankssaw nearly 30 confirmed attacks in the 25-year period, compared to around 20 near Myrtle Beach. Most victims survived, but the data shows how heavily incidents cluster around popular surfing and fishing zones.

Marine biologists say that climate and current changes may be driving migratory species closer to shore. However, experts stress that the fear of sharks vastly outweighs the actual risk — with drownings occurring hundreds of times more often than shark attacks.

---

Why Fatalities Keep Happening

The study points to three main contributing factors:

1. Seasonal safety staffing — Many beaches rely on part-time lifeguards or volunteers.

2. Alcohol and fatigue — Long drives, sun exposure, and celebratory drinking combine into a dangerous mix.

3. Complacency — Visitors overestimate their swimming ability and underestimate the ocean’s strength.

At some beaches, emergency response times double during summer months, when crowding and traffic congestion delay rescuers.

---

Study Sources and Methodology

The findings were drawn from:

• NOAA and U.S. Lifesaving Association drowning and rescue data

• ISAF (International Shark Attack File) verified shark attack records

• NHTSA crash reports and local DUI fatality data

• Tourism board visitor counts and coroner reports

Each beach’s risk level was determined using a weighted Danger Index, assigning 40% to drownings, 30% to shark incidents, and 30% to DUI fatalities.

---

How to Stay Safe This Summer

The study’s authors stress that Carolina beaches are not inherently unsafe — but that awareness and preparationremain the best forms of prevention.

Simple precautions include:

• Never swimming alone or after drinking

• Checking flag systems and surf conditions daily

• Understanding how to escape a rip current

• Avoiding driving after beach parties or long sun exposure

“These aren’t random tragedies — most could be prevented with basic safety steps,” said an Auger & Auger spokesperson. “Our message is simple: respect the water, respect the road, and you’ll enjoy everything the Carolinas have to offer.”

---

The Atlantic coast remains one of America’s most loved holiday regions — but as this 25-year analysis shows, even paradise demands caution.
The sea gives beauty, but it also demands respect.

---