Breathtaking Massachusetts Beach Named One of the Most Dangerous in the Country

Beaches we can visit all year are one of the best parts of living in New England.  From summer fun to winter walks with hot cocoa, we’re pretty blessed.  However, it’s important to be aware of what’s going on at various beaches, as no matter what region of the country you’re in, there will always be a beach that is the most dangerous.  Swimming is usually where the danger comes in, and in New England, that most dangerous beach is in Massachusetts.

We’ve been hearing so much about riptides as well. However, according to Explore, it's sharks more than anything else that constitutes this danger rating.  While all beaches can have riptide issues, not all have shark issues.

We often hear about shark sightings along the Massachusetts coastline more so than in any New England state, and if you’re guessing the Cape Cod area, then you’re correct.  One beach stands out with the most sightings, and that’s Newcomb Hollow Beach in Wellfleet.  Now, this is one of the most beautiful, popular beaches for summer vacations, with incredible sand dunes and waves surf-ready quite often.  So despite the shark-infested waters, it’s still an idyllic spot. Just be careful and stay alert to any warnings.  If you’re like me, you’re not going super deep into the Atlantic anyway, but rather cooling off, enjoying a bit of floating in the waves, and then going back to your towel or chair.

According to Explore, Newcomb Hollow Beach didn’t just earn this ranking this year, as there is a history of Great White Shark attacks that make it more dangerous than all the others in New England. This is because of, you guessed it, the seal population that’s continually grown since the '70s.

The last deadly shark attack at this beach, according to Explore, was in September of 2018.  Explore says since humans aren't fatty enough, shark attacks are accidental. Newcomb Hollow Beach has closed 27 times for about an hour due to shark sightings so far in the 2023 summer season.  The average yearly is around 12, so there’s an increase for sure.