This summer, North Carolina beaches have seen the most shark attacks on record, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History’s International Shark Attack Files. Only halfway through the summer, there have been eight reported shark attacks off the North Carolina coast.
Thus far, there have been no government beach closures, but Gov. Pat McCrory has urged beachgoers to use common sense.
“Recognize that there are certain areas where we are having these bites,” McCrory said. “So use your common sense — especially if you are in and around a fishing area.”
To get your swimming fix this summer while avoiding “certain areas,” here is a travel guide to shark-free swim spots in North Carolina.
Sliding Rock
A North Carolina swimming-hole classic, Sliding Rock is nature’s water slide. This swimming hole has a 60-foot-long waterfall which leads to a naturally occurring pool about seven feet deep. The gently sloped fall allows swimmers to ride down and plunge into the pool below. The pool is famous for its unusually cold water, which provides a great way for swimmers to cool off. This is a popular sight for swimmers, so early arrivers get the most out of their trip.
Jordan Lake
For swimmers that want to stay local, the Triangle’s own Jordan Lake is only a 30-minute drive from NC State’s campus. The lake offers numerous areas to swim and also provides opportunities for other water activities such as water-skiing and tubing. Several sandy beaches at the lake give visitors a beach-like feel without the risk of marine predators. Jordan Lake makes for a great day trip from Raleigh. For a longer trip, beachfront cabins are also available for rent for visitors who want an extended stay.
White Lake
On its website, White Lake boasts itself as “the nation’s safest beach.” Although calling this lake a beach may be a stretch, the safety is still on point as the center of the lake is only 15-feet deep. A lake with safety as its tagline may sound lame, but White Lake is actually very unique for the area. The waters are crystal clear, and you can see the bottom at all points in the lake. The bottom and shore is covered in sand with cypress trees dotting the shallow areas. This lake is as close to a tropical getaway as you’ll get in North Carolina.
Elk River Falls
Located right on the Tennessee border, this 50-foot waterfall is an impressive sight. The large swimming hole at the bottom of the falls is a great way to conclude the short hike to get there. There are many large flat rocks to lay on in the sun right around the water as well as a sandy beach area to relax on. This publication does not make any claims to the safety of it, but there are a few rock cliffs around deeper areas of the pool that some have been known to jump off.
Dismal Swamp State Park
Although the name is not very appealing, George Washington once called the Dismal Swamp a “glorious paradise.” The swamp is not usually at the forefront of where Carolinians think to go for water-related fun, but this environment still has much to offer. The park features many paddle-trails to kayak or canoe down. Boat rentals are available in the area, and although the water may be murky, the less squeamish can go for a dip if they desire.
