Miami is one of the absolute top destinations in the whole of Florida. This is due in large part to its pristine, expansive, and simply beautiful beaches. While shopping, glamour, and an exciting nightlife are all characteristic of the area, Miami’s beaches attract the most tourists by far.
The majority of the beaches here boast highly trained lifeguards who make use of a flag system to warn visitors about any potentially dangerous conditions in the sea.
While the majority of beaches in Miami are relatively safe, those that are the safest are the beaches that are well-populated. Then there is the issue of water safety, where one must always ensure that you are careful, and swim only at beaches where lifeguards are present.
While there are countless beaches in Miami, there are some that are more isolated and those that do not have a permanent lifeguard presence. This can potentially cause a less-than-safe situation for anybody visiting the beach.
It is best to always exercise extra caution whenever visiting the beach, and this caution extends not only to taking care of your loved ones and your personal property but also to safety around the water.
Are Miami Beaches Safe From Crime?
While Miami has developed somewhat of a reputation when it comes to criminal activity, the majority of the crime that takes place usually occurs in areas where tourists and beachgoers will not usually go. Violent crimes that have been reported are usually isolated to specific areas.
While these crimes do not usually occur at or near the beaches, that’s not to say that there is no crime at the beaches at all. Petty crime sometimes occurs, especially at beaches that are more isolated. Ironically, petty crime can also occur at extremely crowded beaches.
This is because when beaches are overcrowded, it may be difficult to see when someone is committing any sort of nefarious act due to the large numbers of people present.
Lummus Park Beach
Lummus Park Beach is considered to be one of the safest beaches in the whole of Miami. It is situated East of Ocean Drive, and could be described as a park beach, with large expanses of grass, palm trees, and exercise equipment.
There are expansive walkways and countless restaurants along the promenade. This high level of human presence contributes greatly to the safety of the beach itself, as there are always eyes on the beach and surrounding areas.
Multiple lifeguard stands line the beach to ensure proper water safety for all beachgoers, as well as allowing the lifeguards to keep a watchful eye on any potentially criminal activities.
South Pointe Park Pier
This is another popular beach that has a very good safety rating. Forming part of a 17-acre park boasting a large playground, as well as several stations for washing fish and a host of picnic spots, this beach is a great place to enjoy a fun, safe day out with your family.
An added benefit of this beach is that it’s away from the extremely busy sections of downtown Miami, making for a potentially more peaceful experience.
Surfside
Surfside is a small residential area with a sleepy beach town vibe. There’s an air of neighborly goodness, and the majority of the residents here know each other. This makes for an extremely safe and enjoyable beachgoing experience.
On most Fridays during the summer months, the residents of Surfside host large communal beach picnics along the beach, and everybody enjoys themselves with music, food, and activities that kids can enjoy.
Crandon Park Beach on Key Biscayne
This spectacular beach is situated at the beginning of the island, where TV commercials and magazine photoshoots are shot extremely often. This is an ideal beach for families with small children, as there is a lagoon where children can be introduced to the water without the waves.
Rip Currents
There are rip currents that are present along most of Miami’s beaches, and these can quite easily cause a fatal accident if not properly understood. Rip currents can form in any large area of open water, including shallow sections near piers and jetties.
It is usually possible to identify a rip current from the shore. Usually, if an area of the water possesses a sandy color, this means that a rip current is forming by washing out the sand from underneath while the water flows.
If an area of water is darker than the surrounding area, this could mean that the water here is deeper and that a rip current has formed. It’s also possible that a rip current can be indicated by sections of seaweed or foam that moves or by extremely choppy water.
Rip currents tend to become further exacerbated by extremely windy weather, and so this is also something to watch out for.
General Water Safety
While it should go without saying that exercising caution around water is always a must, this does not necessarily occur one hundred percent of the time. This is because people lack the necessary education around water safety, and tourists may be unaware of the local water conditions.
In order to stay safe at the beach, it’s important to swim only at beaches that are protected by lifeguards, and to swim only in the specifically designated swimming areas. You should always check the local weather conditions and look out for the colored flags which indicate conditions.
Despite being a good and confident swimmer, it’s important that you do not swim alone at any time because anything can happen. If you see any marine life in the water while swimming, it’s best to stay away from it to ensure your safety.
To ensure that you are safe from rip currents, it is recommended that you remain clear of piers and jetties, and if you do happen to get caught in a rip current, you should try to remain calm while attempting to swim perpendicularly to the water current.
If there is lightning or a storm, it’s best to vacate the water straight away. When it comes to entering the water, you should always check the depth of the water with your feet first, ensuring that you do not jump onto any rocks or similar objects.
Conclusion
While the majority of beaches in Miami are safe, it’s important to always opt for beaches where there is a lifeguard presence and where there are always eyes on the site. Exercise caution on the beach and in the water, and you should have a wonderful time.
Sources
- https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/things-to-do/beaches/swimming-in-miami
- https://www.planetware.com/florida/top-rated-beaches-in-miami-fl-us-fl-428.htm
- https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/is-miami-safe/
- http://karafranker.com/top-5-family-friendly-beaches-in-miami/
- https://www.timeout.com/miami/things-to-do/best-miami-beaches
- https://www.discoverhomesmiami.com/blog/12-of-miamis-safest-neighborhoods/
- https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-beaches-miami/