By USA Daily Now 
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.—Officials and locals in Myrtle Beach are pushing back against a recent study that ranked it as the second most unsafe beach in the United States. Presented by insurance provider Everly Life, the study identified seven of the top 10 most dangerous beaches as being in Florida, with New Smyrna Beach claiming the top spot. Myrtle Beach was placed second, followed by Oak Island, North Carolina, in third place.
The study utilized four key risk factors to assess beach safety: crime rates, shark attacks, drownings, and wind conditions. However, the absence of West Coast or Northeast beaches from the list has raised questions. Everly Life has yet to respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital regarding these omissions.
Recent concerns about safety in Myrtle Beach were amplified following a mass shooting on April 26 in the city’s entertainment district, which left one dead and 11 injured. Local authorities have described the incident as isolated, emphasizing that it does not reflect the overall safety of the area.
MEREDITH DENARI, Director of Communications and Creative Services for the City of Myrtle Beach, criticized the study as “misleading, flawed, and clearly skewed.” In a statement to Fox News Digital, she highlighted its reliance on outdated and inconsistent data, including shark attack records dating back to 1882 and crime statistics from as early as 2009. “The study’s primary purpose appears to be generating clicks rather than serving the public interest,” Denari stated, dismissing it as “fake news.”
Denari emphasized that Myrtle Beach remains a safe and welcoming destination for families. She pointed to ongoing efforts by the Myrtle Beach Police Department to reduce crime and revitalize downtown areas. “Saturday’s unfortunate incident is not reflective of the experiences of millions of visitors who enjoy our beautiful coastline, restaurants, and family-friendly entertainment,” she added.
Local residents echoed confidence in the city’s safety. MELISSA K., a seven-year resident originally from Connecticut, told Fox News Digital that she feels secure in Myrtle Beach. “As locals, we typically avoid the downtown area at night, but dangerous incidents like the shooting are not common here,” she said. “It’s still a wonderful place to live and visit.”
Myrtle Beach continues to attract visitors with its affordable amenities and scenic beaches, despite challenges. While acknowledging the need for vigilance, residents and officials remain steadfast in their belief that the city is a safe and vibrant destination.
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