Following a spate of shark attacks in California and Mexico, Forbes has issued a list of the world's most dangerous beaches.
Despite concerns about the recent incidents, Stephen P. Leatherman of the International Hurricane Research Center & Laboratory for Coastal Research in Miami notes that statistically there is more chance of winning the lottery than being involved in a shark attack.
However, for those still keen to stay away from the water, it may be advisable to keep away from New Smyrna Beach in Volusia County, Florida, which had 17 instances of human and shark "contact" during 2007, making it the most dangerous resort in terms of such attacks.
In regards to pollution, Hacks Point Beach in Kent County, Maryland and Beachwood Beach West in Ocean County, New Jersey had the highest percentage of samples exceeding US health standards in 2006, Reuters reports.
Elsewhere, the coast of Northern Australia is identified as the most dangerous jellyfish hotspot, with 40 people hospitalised each year in the Northern Territory.
Forbes produces a wide range of lists across industry areas, with a recent annual report identifying the world's biggest companies.
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