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Myrtle Beach—a popular, coastal South Carolina city for snowbirds and locals alike—is firing back against a study ranking it the No. 2 most unsafe beach in the United States.
Seven of the top 10 most dangerous beaches listed in the study from Everly Life, an insurance company, are in Florida, including New Smyrna Beach at No. 1, followed by Miami Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miramar Beach, Panama City Beach and Ponce Inlet.
The only other non-South Carolina beach included on the list is Oak Island, North Carolina, which is ranked at No. 3.
Researchers examined four main risk factors when determining the relative danger of popular U.S. beaches, including crime rates, shark attacks, drownings and wind conditions. It is unclear why no West Coast or Northeast beaches were listed; Everly Life did not immediately respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital.
“Myrtle Beach police officers, already nearby, immediately returned fire, likely saving numerous lives when they fatally shot the perpetrator,” she said.
Authorities in South Carolina confirmed that 11 people were injured, and 1 dead in a Myrtle Beach officer-involved shooting late Saturday night. (Myrtle Beach Police Department Facebook)
“While details are limited at this time due to an open investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, violence has no place in Myrtle Beach,” Denari said. “Saturday’s incident is not reflective of the experiences of millions of people who visit the area every year and enjoy the beautiful coastline, our restaurants, family-friendly entertainment and businesses.”
Melissa K., a seven-year Myrtle Beach resident originally from Connecticut, told Fox News Digital she does not feel unsafe in the southern beach town, where she moved for milder weather and her job.
“And I’m happy I did,” she said.
Myrtle Beach resident Melissa K. told Fox News Digital she feels safe in the southern beach town. (iStock)
Locals, she noted, don’t spend much time in the downtown area where the shooting happened. Ocean Boulevard can attract unsavory behavior from visitors who stay out late at bars and engage in rowdy behavior, she said. Melissa also noted that Myrtle Beach is less expensive than other beach towns in the Carolinas.
“At the end of the day, things could happen anywhere at any time in any place. The world’s gotten a little bit crazy.”
“It has attracted, unfortunately, some of the wrong people, from what I’ve gathered in my seven years being here,” Melissa said. “As locals, we really don’t go on the boulevard or that district, especially at night, and especially alone. But at the end of the day, things could happen anywhere at any time in any place. The world’s gotten a little bit crazy.”
The shooting, Melissa said, was “shocking” for the community, but dangerous incidents of that scale are not normal for Myrtle Beach.
“I do love living here. It’s a great place to visit, golf, eat, have a good family vacation,” she said. “Unfortunately … you just have to be aware of your surroundings at all times, and that just goes for anywhere. It’s still a beautiful place to visit and hang out at the beach. I feel safe.”
