10 most dangerous beaches in the world

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

Cape Coast has repeatedly recognized the most dangerous place in the world for tourism: the waters of the Atlantic coast of the province surrounding Western Cape, home to one of the world's largest population of white sharks, which with the onset of heat are particularly aggressive. And despite the fact that the majority of the beaches most popular South African resort of Fish Hook back in the 1960s were undersea networks, attacks, avoid predators all else fails. For example, in 2010 there were registered 21 unprovoked shark attack, six of them to death. The last case of shark attack on a person within the shoreline was in January last year and was particularly cruel: the body was torn by the police men were caught during all subsequent months. Those who do not want to repeat the fate of the unfortunate can follow the activity of white sharks at the Shark Spotters website of the organization in the section «shark activity»: the last occurrence of a white predator there were registered on June 21.

 

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

Former mid-1950s, a platform for rest of high society, today Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro has a reputation as the most troubled places for recreation: an index of crime there - one of the highest in all of Brazil. Robbery, prostitution, drug trafficking, rape and even kidnapping - everyday phenomenon for this place. In 2010, victims of crimes of varying severity were here more than 80 people and 30 people were killed. For the Government of Brazil to the region - one of the most problematic: it is in the area of ​​Copacabana, according to police, the largest number of drug lords and mafia members. Vacationers also say that danger awaits travelers not only on the beach of Copacabana, but also in hotels on the shore, too, is not always easy. And for those who decide to take, for example, rent a yacht, it is worth remembering that in the water area of Copacabana is not uncommon for seizures of pirate ships.

 7. Repulse Bay (Hong Kong): Garbage

The original Chinese name of this island bay in the south of Hong Kong means "a place where gulls nest." However, birds have long left the Bay, trash and all kinds of pollution - the typical problems of urban beaches - in Repulse Bay at its peak. Construction work began in the early XX century, cause enormous damage to the environment of the region: the production of waste is discharged directly into waters of the South China Sea. Bay water pollution is so great that in some places it had seen the "red threads" and epidemiological inspection of the water showed the presence in it of a record number of chemical elements. All this led to the growth of bacteria and algae, parasites that kill all marine life and also have a persistent odor. Local residents and environmental groups have sought to deal with industrial lawlessness: here periodically organize and strike action in defense of ecology of the region. But the authorities prefer the convenience of citizens the economic benefits: real estate in the area of ​​Repulse Bay is considered one of the most elite and expensive in the whole Hong Kong.

 8. Beaches of São Paulo (Brazil): piranha

Since the days of Theodore Roosevelt's famous trip to the Amazon, when he saw the victims of carnivorous piranhas become large animals and heard stories of natives had eaten alive, relevant to the piranha has not changed. River Predators still pose a risk to humans. They are most active in the south-eastern tributaries of the Amazon River in Brazil. So, in 2002, Conceicao Beach in Santa Cruz for five weekends victims' river of hyenas "have 38 swimmers. Two more flashes of aggression fish were recorded in 2003 on the beaches and towns Itapúa Iakanga: there for 2 weeks from the piranhas have suffered more than 50 people. According to the latest data also show that the greatest concern cause the beaches of Sao Paulo, where in December 2009, 74 people bitten by a piranha. Although official reports of the deaths have been reported, there were numerous cases of amputation of fingers at rest. Ecologists explain outbreaks of aggression in the river predator interference in their habitat zone: construction of river dams creates the conditions for an uncontrolled multiplication of piranhas and, consequently, of their "nests" where it should be - in public swimming areas. Piranha reach up to 30 cm in length, adult piranha can easily bite a human finger in half. It is, however, remember that not all meat-eating piranhas, some of them can eat only plants, algae, or seeds. So many horror films, dedicated to the bloodthirsty and ruthless predators river, much as biologists say, the banal hyperbole.

 9. Beaches Virginia Beach (USA): wild fox attack

Virginia Beach is mentioned even in the Guinness Book of Records: the city with the longest public beach on the Atlantic coast and Chesapeake Bay. In addition, he is also considered one of the cleanest and most affluent resort towns of America. However, parks and beaches of Virginia Beach are attractive not only for tourists but also for wild animals. Rabid fox attack on the people involved here in June 2010 and in March of 2011 fox attacked the three visitors to the beach, causing them a few bites and scratches. Attack wild animals in Virginia Beach generally quite common: in addition to wild foxes in autumn 2006 The Magazine of Virginia Beach also reported that in the forest belt near the beach trash cans were seen wild raccoons and squirrels - potential carriers of various diseases. 

10. Cable Beach (Australia): crocodiles

Not so long ago attracted the attention of biologists a 22-mile beach at Cable Beach Broome, Australia. It was there that were witnessed by the appearance of multiple horrific size reptiles, and most recently - on Monday, July 25 - Beach was once again officially closed. As a species, crocodiles are protected by Australian law, and hunting them is forbidden since 1974. That is, as experts note, and is the cause of frequent attacks by predators on the people. In 2009, after a series of attacks, including the children, a dispute arose about the partial lifting of the ban on fishing clothing (at least 25 members per year). However, Australian authorities have not approved the agreement, fearing that such measures will attract tourists who are dreaming to get a crocodile jaw as a hunting trophy. Usually attacks crocodile in Australia occur on the beaches of the Northern Territory - in popular resorts such as Queensland and around the city of Darwin. Over the past 25 years there were more than 10 deaths predation on humans.