11 Dangerous Places to Swim—If You Dare

Drowning represents a significant global health challenge, ranking as the third leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide and accounting for 9% of all injury-related fatalities.¹

Annually, over 300,000 drowning deaths occur globally, though experts suggest that this figure may substantially underestimate the true extent of the problem.

From the shark-infested waters of New Smyrna Beach to the toxic depths of Lake Kivu, these 11 swimming locations prove that beauty can be deceiving. 

1. Hanakapiai Beach, Hawaii

Located on the picturesque island of Kauai, Hanakapiai Beach is a postcard-perfect stretch of sand that hides a deadly secret. The waters here are unpredictable, with powerful rip currents that can drag even the strongest swimmers out to sea. 

Despite warning signs, tourists underestimate the danger of Hanakapiai’s waters. 

With no lifeguards on duty and the ocean floor dropping off rapidly, it’s easy to see why this beach has earned its reputation as one of the most dangerous in the world.

2. New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Known as the “Shark Attack Capital of the World,” New Smyrna Beach in Florida boasts more shark bites per square mile than anywhere else since 1992 (ref).

The shallow waters and abundance of baitfish attract a variety of shark species, including blacktips and spinners, which are known to mistake humans for prey.

While the odds of being bitten are still relatively low, it’s important to exercise caution when swimming in these waters. 

Experts recommend staying close to shore, avoiding murky water, and steering clear of areas where fishermen are present.

3. Gansbaai, South Africa

If you’ve ever watched “Jaws” or “Deep Blue Sea,” you’ll know how terrifying a shark encounter can be. At Gansbaai Beach in South Africa, such encounters are a daily occurrence.

The area is known for its high concentration of great white sharks, which are attracted to the region’s seal colonies.

While shark cage diving is a popular tourist activity in Gansbaai, swimming in the open water is strictly off-limits. The beach has been the site of numerous fatal shark attacks over the years. 

So, unless you’re a thrill-seeker with a death wish, it’s best to admire these magnificent creatures from a safe distance.

4. Lake Kivu, Rwanda

Nestled along the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lake Kivu may look like a tranquil oasis, but beneath its surface lies a deadly secret. The lake sits atop a rift valley, slowly being pulled apart, causing volcanic activity on the lake bed.

This activity releases large amounts of carbon dioxide and methane gas into the water, which can be lethal if inhaled in high concentrations. 

While the risk of such an event occurring at Lake Kivu is low, it is still a sobering reminder of nature’s power.

5. The Boiling Lake, Dominica

On the Caribbean island of Dominica, hikers can trek through the aptly named Valley of Desolation to reach the world’s second-largest boiling lake. With water temperatures reaching up to 195°F, this lake is a hot spot for danger.

The hike to the Boiling Lake is strenuous and can take up to six hours on a round trip. Visitors must navigate through a landscape of bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and noxious sulfur fumes. 

While it may be tempting to take a dip in the lake’s inviting blue waters, doing so would result in severe burns or even death.

6. Jacob’s Well, Texas

Jacob’s Well is a karstic spring in the heart of Texas Hill Country. With its crystal clear water and stunning blue hue, it’s easy to see why this swimming hole is a popular spot for locals and tourists.

However, beneath the surface lies a complex network of underwater caves that have claimed the lives of several divers.

The caves extend for thousands of feet and are filled with narrow passageways, sudden drop-offs, and strong currents. Even experienced divers have become disoriented or trapped in the labyrinth-like system, running out of air before returning to the surface. 

For this reason, diving in Jacob’s Well is strictly regulated and requires special permits.

7. Horseshoe Lake, California

Horseshoe Lake looks like a serene alpine oasis at the base of Mammoth Mountain in California. However, the area surrounding the lake is one of the most volcanically active regions in the United States. 

This activity releases high carbon dioxide levels into the air and water, creating an invisible and odorless hazard.

While the lake is not necessarily dangerous to swim in, the surrounding area poses a serious risk to hikers and campers who may unknowingly inhale the toxic gas.

8. Réunion Island, Indian Ocean

The French overseas territory of Réunion Island may be a surfer’s paradise, but it’s also a hotspot for shark attacks. Since 2011, there have been over 20 attacks on the island, with 11 proving fatal.

The problem has become so severe that surfing and swimming have been banned outside monitored areas.

Experts believe that the island’s volcanic topography and abundance of fish attract large numbers of bull and tiger sharks. These species are known for their aggressive behavior and are responsible for most attacks on humans. 

Despite efforts to cull the shark population, the risk of encountering one of these apex predators remains high.

9. Rio Tinto, Spain

The Rio Tinto in southwestern Spain is a river like no other. Its waters are a shocking shade of red, thanks to the high concentration of iron and heavy metals that have leached into the river from nearby mines. 

While the river’s unique color may attract tourists, its chemical composition makes it highly toxic to most life forms.

The Rio Tinto is one of the most acidic rivers in the world, with a pH level of around 2. This means the water is as acidic as lemon juice or vinegar.

Swimming in the river can cause severe skin and eye irritation and respiratory problems if the water is ingested. 

10. Chowpatty Beach, India

Located in the heart of Mumbai, Chowpatty Beach is a popular spot for locals to gather and relax. However, the beach is also one of the most polluted in the country, with untreated sewage and industrial waste regularly dumped into the water.

This has led to alarmingly high levels of bacteria and heavy metals in the sand and surf.

Swimming at Chowpatty Beach can expose you to a host of waterborne illnesses, including cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis. The pollution has also taken a toll on the local ecosystem, with fish and other marine life washing up dead on the shore. 

While efforts have been made to clean up the beach in recent years, it remains risky to take a dip.

11. Blue Hole, Dahab, Egypt

The Blue Hole in Dahab, Egypt, is a stunning 394-foot-deep sinkhole that attracts divers worldwide. But as breathtaking as this underwater wonder is, it has also earned a chilling nickname—the “Diver’s Cemetery.”

Over the years, hundreds of divers have lost their lives exploring the Blue Hole’s depths. The combination of depth, complex underwater tunnels, and nitrogen narcosis (which can impair judgment at great depths) make this site incredibly dangerous, even for experienced divers. 

Before descending into the crystal clear water, divers must walk past an eerie collection of memorial plaques dedicated to those who never resurfaced.

Source:

1. World Health Organization