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**MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.** — Myrtle Beach, a beloved coastal city in South Carolina, is pushing back against a recent study that ranked it as the second most dangerous beach in the United States. The study, conducted by **Everly Life**, an insurance company, placed **New Smyrna Beach** in Florida at the top of the list, with **Myrtle Beach** following closely behind.
The study, which analyzed four key risk factors—crime rates, shark attacks, drownings, and wind conditions—also included six other Florida beaches in its top 10. **Miami Beach**, **Jacksonville Beach**, **Fort Lauderdale**, **Miramar Beach**, **Panama City Beach**, and **Ponce Inlet** were all listed as high-risk locations. The only other non-South Carolina beach on the list was **Oak Island, North Carolina**, ranked third.
**Meredith Denari**, Director of Communications and Creative Services for the City of Myrtle Beach, criticized the study, calling it “misleading, flawed, and clearly skewed.” In a statement to **Fox News Digital**, Denari emphasized that the study was not peer-reviewed and relied on outdated and inconsistent data. “This report appears to be designed to generate clicks rather than serve the public interest,” she said.
Denari pointed out that the study used shark attack records dating back to 1882 and wind and crime statistics from 2009-2015 and 2023, respectively. “None of these sources accurately reflect the year 2025,” she added. She also noted that the City of Myrtle Beach was not incorporated until 1938, making the data even less relevant.
The controversy comes on the heels of a recent shooting in Myrtle Beach’s entertainment district on April 26, which left one person dead and 11 injured. Local officials described the incident as an isolated event, but it has raised concerns about safety in the area.
**Melissa K.**, a seven-year resident of Myrtle Beach, told **Fox News Digital** that she does not feel unsafe in the city. “As locals, we don’t spend much time in the downtown area where the shooting occurred,” she said. “Ocean Boulevard can attract some unsavory behavior, but that’s not representative of the entire city.”
Denari also highlighted ongoing efforts to revitalize downtown Myrtle Beach and reduce crime. “The Myrtle Beach Police Department continues to report downward trends in crime,” she said. “Saturday’s incident is not reflective of the experience of the millions of people who visit our city each year.”
Despite the recent challenges, Denari and local residents remain optimistic about Myrtle Beach’s future. “It’s a wonderful place to live and visit,” Denari said. “We’re committed to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of everyone who comes here.”
**Source:** [Fox News Digital](https://www.foxnews.com)
