Beach fear

When you think of beach dangers, sharks probably come to mind first, right? Sharks are often painted as the villains of the ocean, but the truth is, they’re responsible for far fewer fatalities than things like jellyfish, algae, or even the sand itself. Every year, thousands of people flock to the beach to relax in the sun and play by the waves. But did you know that digging holes in the sand can be dangerous?

In 2024, a tragic event occurred when a 7-year-old girl was trapped in a deep hole she had dug with her brother. The hole collapsed on her, and despite the quick efforts of bystanders to rescue her, help came too late. This sad incident highlights that digging deep holes in the sand can actually be a life-threatening situation.

Although sand may look harmless, a deep hole can easily become a dangerous trap. Sand isn’t defined by its material, but by the size of its particles. Most beach sand is made of quartz, but in tropical areas, it can contain coral. The weight of sand depends on what's mixed in. Pure quartz is relatively light, weighing around 90 pounds per cubic foot when dry, but sand with more mixed elements can be much heavier. When sand is wet, it holds its shape better, but once it dries, it can easily collapse. If you dig a hole and it dries out, the sand becomes unstable, and it can cave in, especially if someone is standing near the edge.

Once the sand starts falling in, it fills the air pockets, making it hard for someone trapped inside to breathe. Rescuing someone from a sand collapse is very difficult because the sand keeps shifting, and time is critical. Ideally, rescuers have only 3 to 5 minutes before the trapped person risks suffocating. If you're ever in such a situation, experts recommend exposing the person's mouth so they can breathe while someone else digs them out.

If you’re heading to the beach, here’s some simple advice: never dig a hole deeper than the knees of the shortest person in your group, and always fill in any holes when you're done playing. It’s easy to forget about a hole, and even shallow ones can cause injuries. Between 2010 and 2020, sand holes claimed 20 lives in the U.S. And when you compare that to the number of fatalities caused by sharks, the numbers are even more eye-opening: in the last decade, only 12 people in the U.S. have been killed by sharks.

Now, sharks are one thing, but there’s another hazard lurking in the water—algae. While some algae blooms are harmless, others can pose serious health risks, even just by being near them. Algal blooms, or red tides, occur when algae grow out of control. These blooms can release toxins that are harmful to humans, fish, shellfish, and even birds. One of the most notorious blooms occurs nearly every summer off Florida’s Gulf Coast, rendering local shellfish unsafe to eat. Even non-toxic algae blooms can throw off the balance of the ecosystem. As the algae die off and decompose, they consume oxygen in the water, leaving fish and other marine life gasping for air.

If you're near algae blooms, avoid eating shellfish harvested from those areas. In 2020, several people fell ill after eating shellfish contaminated by a red tide bloom in Florida. Swimming near algae isn’t usually dangerous, but it’s still wise to avoid it. If you experience skin irritation or itchy eyes after swimming, wash off immediately with fresh water. And be cautious around dead fish, as they can harbor harmful bacteria.

Sometimes, the beach itself can be full of surprises. Take Mission Beach or Eddie Bay in Australia, for example, where you might find yourself sharing the sand with cassowaries, some of the most intimidating birds on Earth. These giant, flightless birds can weigh over 160 pounds and are known for their aggressive behavior, so be cautious if you're near them.

On the other hand, the black sand beaches of Kīlauea in Hawaii might look inviting, but they’re right next to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, which has been erupting since 1983, sending hot lava into the ocean. The hot waters here are no joke, though they're not as extreme as some other Hawaiian beaches.

Speaking of Hawaii, if you ever find yourself considering a swim at Hanapi Beach on Kauai, you might want to rethink that. The beach is infamous for its powerful rip currents, which can quickly drag swimmers out to sea. The nearest safe shore is six miles away. There have been over 35 confirmed fatalities here in the past 15 years, though some signs suggest the number may be higher. Rip currents move at speeds of up to 4 or 5 miles per hour—faster than some professional swimmers—and can be difficult to spot. They’re often found near river mouths, estuaries, or jetties. To spot a rip, look for areas where the water is churning or appears less frothy than surrounding water.

Another water danger is shorebreak waves, which crash directly onto the beach with tremendous force. The impact of such waves can cause severe injuries, especially to the neck and spine. Even if they don’t seem huge, shore break waves can still be very dangerous, particularly at beaches like Kāʻanapali Beach, Hawaii, where surfers intentionally ride them for thrills.

Jellyfish are another common threat at the beach. Getting stung by one is a frequent occurrence for swimmers, surfers, and divers. The long tentacles of jellyfish carry venom, which can cause burning sensations and skin redness. For most people, these stings are painful but harmless, and they heal within a few days. However, in Northern Australia and the Indo-Pacific region, the box jellyfish presents a far greater threat. Often called “sea wasps” or “marine stingers,” these jellyfish are among the most venomous creatures in the world. Their sting is excruciating and can lead to cardiac arrest before a victim even reaches shore. Over 80 fatalities in Australia have been linked to box jellyfish stings.

How can you tell the difference? Unlike regular jellyfish, box jellyfish have a pale blue, transparent appearance, and their bell-shaped body looks like a cube.

So, before you head to the beach, make sure you’re aware of these hidden dangers. Stay informed, stay safe, and enjoy your time by the water.