Myrtle Beach (a popular coastal city in South Carolina for Snowbirds and locals) is opposed to a study that ranks as the second most unsafe beach in the United States.
Seven of the top 10 most dangerous beaches Research from Everly LifeThe insurance company is in Florida, followed by the number one News Myrna Beach, Miami Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miramar Beach, Panama City Beach and Ponce Inlet.
Other non-Southern Carolina beaches on the list ranked third on Oak Island, North Carolina.
Researchers looked at four key risk factors in determining the relative risks of popular US beaches, including crime rates, shark attacks, drowsing, and wind conditions. It is unclear why the West Coast and Northeast beaches were not listed. Everly Life did not immediately respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital.
Large shooting tourist hotspot in Myrtle Beach kills 1 person and injured 11 people
Everly Life Study ranked Myrtle Beach as the second least safe beach in the United States. (istock)
Myrtle Beach crime concerns have been heightened since shootings in the entertainment district killed the shooter and injured 11 people. Myrtle Beach officials described the shooting as an isolated incident.
However, locals and city officials disagree that Myrtle Beach is not safe.
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At least one person has been killed and 11 people have been injured in mass shootings at a popular tourist destination in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. (Google Earth)
Meredith Denali, director of communications and creative services for the city of Myrtle Beach, described the Everly Life research as “misleading, flawed and clearly distorted.”
“I call this research “fake news.” ”
“Like many reports produced by life insurance companies, its main purpose appears to be generating clicks rather than serving the public interest,” Denali said. “This is evident in the use of outdated, inconsistent, unrelated data, including shark attack records dating back to 1882 and wind and crime statistics from 2009 to 2015 and 2023. Each of these sources does not accurately reflect 2025.
Mrytle Beach spokesman Meredith Denari called the Everly Life Study “Fake News.” (istock)
She added, “Myrtle Beach is a great place to live and visit for thousands of families,” and that “The Myrtle Beach Police Department continues to report a downward trend in crime, and efforts to revitalize downtown are underway.”
Denali described Saturday's shooting as “a tragic and isolated incident.”
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“A police officers in Myrtle Beach, already nearby, are likely to return the fire soon and save many lives when they fatally shoot the assailant,” she said.
South Carolina officials confirmed 11 people were injured and one died in a shooting involving a Myrtle Beach official late Saturday night. (Myrtle Beach Police Station Facebook)
“An open investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Department has limited details at this time, but violence is not in Myrtle Beach,” Denali said. “The incident on Saturday does not reflect the experience of millions of people visiting the area every year and enjoying beautiful coastlines, restaurants, family entertainment and business.”
Melissa K., a seven-year Myrtle Beach resident from Connecticut, felt unsafe in the town of Southern Beach, moved there for calm weather and work.
“And I'm happy,” she said.
Myrtle Beach resident Melissa K. told Fox News Digital that she felt safe in the town of Southern Beach. (istock)
Locals should not spend too much time in the downtown area where the shooting took place. Ocean Boulevard can attract unpleasant behavior from visitors who stay late at the bar and engage in violent behavior, she said. Melissa also pointed out that Myrtle Beach is cheaper than other beach towns in Carolina.
“At the end of the day, it can happen anytime, anywhere, anywhere. The world has become a little crazy.”
“Unfortunately, it attracted some of the wrong people from what I've come together in the seven years I've been here,” Melissa said. “As locals, we don't really go alone, especially at the main streets and the districts, especially at night. But at the end of the day, it can happen anytime, anywhere. The world was a bit crazy.”
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Melissa said the shooting was “shocking” for the community, but dangerous incidents of that scale are not common for Myrtle Beach.
“I love living here. It's a great place to visit, you can have golf, eat and a good family vacation,” she said. “Unfortunately… you need to be aware of your surroundings all the time, and it's just going anywhere. It's still a beautiful place to hang out and visit the beach. I feel safe.”
