The most common beach risk - this is, of course, sharks. According to the latest data from the International Registry of shark attacks in 2010, the world was recorded 79 unprovoked attacks, six of which ended in death for vacationers. Because of climate change sea predators have become more aggressive, and according to forecasts, this year the number of attacks will only increase.
However, the shark - not the only threat to tourists on the beach. Around the world, Forbes chose 10 beaches, visit that may cost travelers life or health.
1. Beaches in Queensland and the Tiwi Islands (Australia): poisonous kubomeduzy
It is believed that Australian beaches - the most dangerous in the world. In addition to attacks by sharks in Australia are common, almost every year in the resorts of the northern coast, vacationers fall victim kubomeduz. They are known to possess one of the most potent animal venoms, and burns caused by their stinging cells can lead to death within minutes. In addition, these jellyfish rather inconspicuous, and observe them in the water is not easy. Collision with them most likely in the waters of the Timor and Arafura seas surrounding the islands Tiwi Beach and north-eastern coast of Queensland. "Sea wasp" - as they are sometimes called - even have become a symbol of these resorts: the 2011 edition in Australia, even produced a silver coin with the image of the beast. However, deaths from meeting kubomeduzami still relatively rare. The most vulnerable of victims - children: they often do not survive injuries. So, out of 30 reported cases of attacks on the northern coast of Australia for the past 20 years, 12 of them resulted in death of child. Nevertheless, last year miraculously managed to save 10-year-old girl who was taken to hospital with multiple burns. To avoid the risk, experts advise to refrain from swimming on the northern coast of Australia from October to April, especially in the afternoon, when jellyfish are most active.
2. Beaches Fish Hoek (South Africa): white shark
3. Zipolite Beach (Mexico): a strong undercurrent
Quiet and a small beach with a silky white sand and turquoise waters of the Pacific has attracted many tourists. However, the locals prefer to avoid this place - especially in the period from April to June, when water, as they say here, "rebels." Rebellion that expressed a strong undercurrent, including reverse, which is difficult to spot from shore. In addition, during the summer months during the full moon usually occurs ebb and flow of high seas, with the power flow are difficult to handle even for an adult. The danger increases at the expense of sea cliffs and rocks that lurk in the depths of the ocean. Each year, the Mexican government spent a decent amount of running the rescuers, and indeed since 2007 on a beach not been a single fatal case (though in 2010 it was officially rescued 180 people who failed the course, ignored the red flags on the shore) . Incidentally, the name of the beach and marina - Zipolite - a very alarming in itself: in the translation from the local Zapotec dialect it means "the shore of the Dead." Nevertheless, the beach is known as one of their main summer targets nudists and hippies from all over the world: it is inexpensive vacation, and the place picturesque.
4. Bikini Atoll (Marshall Islands): high levels of radiation
This small atoll in the Pacific, is famous not only because it gave its name to swimwear, a spectacular appearance in which the famous Brigitte Bardot in the film "And God Created Woman." In the period from 1946 to 1958, the first United States used the island for testing atomic and hydrogen bombs in Operation "Crossroads." In the tests, March 1, 1954 the island is almost completely been destroyed. Later, as more than 800 people have died from the Pacific atoll of various cancers, caused by nuclear tests. Radiation levels are still above the norm: the average external dose of about 3.8 R / h. Nevertheless, many believe that some beaches are suitable for bikini holiday: tourists from all over the world attracted by the isolation of the "nuclear" of the island. However, to get to the atoll is not so simple: either in the Central Pacific Expedition diving, or as a tourist, book a tour on the official site of the Bikini. Seven-day trips usually take place in mid-April to November in groups of 12-15 people.
5. Beach New Smyrna (USA): shark accidents, lightning strikes
One of the main beaches of Florida rightly gained fame as the most unhappy state of the resort. In 2010 there were recorded 640 collisions of different pools of funds, 68 of them to death - the highest number of accidents on the water ever recorded on the beaches of the United States. Experts attribute this to strong overcrowded beach: rescuers and Water Patrol simply not possible for all to follow. In addition, New Smyrna is also dangerous because of frequent lightning. Over the past 50 years, struck by lightning and killed 459 people here. According to security officers, people on the beach are the highest points, which means that during storms, they become targets for the a priori categories. In addition to all of the above, and regardless of the weather, relax on the beach New Smyrna - a target for sharks. Last summer, 13 people were bitten, and, fortunately, only 1 case was fatal. It is not surprising that the evacuation of people and then many days closures on the beach - quite common.
6. Beach Copacabana (Brazil): high levels of crime
