The Boiling Lake
The Boiling Lake can be found in Dominica and is considered one of the most dangerous places to swim. The reason why is due to the scorching hot magma under its surface, which is at the temperature of boiling point. Ouch!
The Boiling Lake
Jacob’s Well
Jacob’s Well is located in south-central Texas that features crystal clear waters that also have amazing underwater caves and tunnels. However, despite its impressive waters, the tunnels can be quite dangerous and many who have gone exploring have sadly not come back out. It’s important to be as careful as possible while visiting.
Jacob’s Well
The Nile River
We’ve all heard of the famous Nile River in Egypt. While it is known for being the “cradle of humanity,” you can’t take this too literally. This is because the river is teeming with crocodiles. While technically you can swim in the waters, you definitely do not want to encounter one of these crocs while you’re taking a swim!
The Nile River
Hanakapiai Beach
The Hanakapiai Beach in Hawaii looks like the perfect destination for a relaxing beach vacation. While this is true, it’s important to know that its rip tides can become quite dangerous and have been known to pull people away. These waves are no joke and can cause serious injuries and sometimes even worse. Plan your trip here carefully!
Hanakapiai Beach
Bubbly Creek
Bubbly Creek of the Chicago River may look pretty, but don’t let that fool you. The reason it’s called “Bubbly” is due to the fact that a lot of runoff has poured into the water which unfortunately includes discarded meat and even fecal matter. The water is so toxic that no living things exist in it. This is definitely not a creek for swimming.
Bubbly Creek
Samaesan Hole
Many people have a desire to travel to Thailand specifically to spend time on the beautiful beaches, go diving, and spend time in the water in general. However, we suggest you dive with caution, especially at Samaesan Hole. This hole is one of the deepest and thus very dark, leading to virtual zero visibility. You definitely don’t want to get lost down in the depths.
Samaesan Hole
Lake Karachay
Lake Karachay in Russia is seriously beautiful. However, looks can be deceiving, as it is extremely toxic. This is due to the fact that it was polluted with toxic waste before any regulations existed. The water is so toxic that if you swim in it, it could be deadly within just one hour. There are steps in place to fill the lake in with concrete in order to eliminate the danger.
Lake Karachay
Eagle’s Nest Sink Hole
Eagle’s Nest Sink Hole in Florida is actually a safe place to go swimming, but the same cannot be said for diving there. The sink hole dips down 300 feet, which is quite deep. It has claimed many people’s lives and has been officially shut down. Only seasoned divers are allowed to go in, as diving down too deep can mean getting trapped down there.
Eagle’s Nest Sink Hole
Kipu Falls
Kipu Falls in Hawaii is quite the popular tourist spot, but is also sadly the site of many tourists’ demise. The waves are quite powerful and have led to drownings. These deaths have caused the local folklore to question whether this is the work of ancient gods or just hidden whirlpools.
Kipu Falls
The Amazon Basin
The Amazon Basin in South America is quite dangerous for several reasons. There are many predatory animals, such as barracudas and piranhas, living in its waters that can cause you harm. The area is also the habitat of the candiru fish, which can cause a lot of damage to your body as well.
The Amazon Basin
Lake Victoria
The largest lake in Africa, Lake Victoria is also the third largest lake on the planet. One area of it is not a safe spot for swimming, as it has claimed the lives of over 5000 people because of the isolated weather found there. You definitely don’t want to find yourself caught in the middle of a storm while you’re in the middle of a swim.
Lake Victoria
Horseshoe Lake
Horseshoe Lake in California may look beautiful, but underneath the calm waters lies the truth: a high concentration of carbon dioxide. The CO2 accumulated there after being released from the ground during earthquakes. You can even see many dead trees around the area that have succumbed to the carbon dioxide. This is definitely not a swimming site.
Horseshoe Lake
Rio Tinto
The Rio Tinto in Spain may look visually interesting but has received its unique red color from being polluted. Runoff from a local mine contributed to the pollution of the water, and not only that, the water became very acidic. Swimming in this water will cause your body to dissolve, so definitely stay away.
Rio Tinto
The Ganges River
The Ganges River in India was affected by industrialization, as it became highly polluted and fell prey to carbon emissions. The water has become quite dangerous for swimming. The toxic river has been so polluted with garbage and plastic that is has become quite dangerous.
The Ganges River
Gansbaai
Gansbaai is a fishing town and tourist destination which can be found off of the coast of South Africa. One of the things it’s also known for is for its high concentration of sharks. While it can be quite dangerous to swim amongst sharks on your own, you can get some help of professionals are go safely swimming in a shark cage! Would you try it?
Gansbaai
Hoover Dam
Right off the bat, you should know that swimming in the Hoover Dam is against the law. The reason it’s illegal is because it is quite dangerous due to its very strong currents. Many who have tried swimming here have been dragged beyond their control and have unfortunately not survived. It’s definitely not a great idea to break the law to swim here.
Hoover Dam
Citarum River
The Citarum River in Indonesia is a great example of a place located in a popular destination spot that should be avoided. The reason is quite clear as the water is highly polluted. The waters have been filled up with so much garbage that the waters have become inhospitable for swimming. Definitely stay away!
Citarum River
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon, which can be found in the United Kingdom, is another beautiful body of water that is not swimmer-friendly. The pH level of the lagoon sits at a staggering 11.3, which means it has the same alkalinity level of bleach and ammonia. That’s not exactly what you want to be swimming in. Skip the swim and settle for a photo instead.
Blue Lagoon
The Gulf Coast
The Gulf Coast in the Southern region of the United States is quite an interesting area. There is so much runoff that has accumulated in its waters that is not a friendly environment for many water critters, but it is home to many other dangerous animals. These include poisonous snakes as well as rattlesnakes. Definitely be on the lookout if you’re traveling around these parts.
The Gulf Coast
Reunion Island
In the middle of the Indian Ocean and off the coast of Madagascar you can find Reunion Island. It is known for being the shark attack capital of the planet, so that tells you about how safe swimming there is. You should definitely keep this in mind when planning to book a vacation around this area.
Reunion Island
The Strid
The Strid is a spot you will find in Yorkshire, England that is quite dangerous. This is due to the abundance of hidden small currents that can immediately drag people in and cause a significant amount of damage. The currents can drag people underneath rocks, which can trap you. This is definitely not something people on vacation willingly sign up for.
The Strid
Queensland
Queensland, Australia is the continent’s second largest territory. It is also home to some of the most dangerous areas to swim in the commonwealth. This is because it is home to some deadly creatures, which includes: saltwater crocodiles, sharks, and the very deadly blue-ringed octopuses and box jellyfish. Just one sting from a box jellyfish can cause immediate death.
Queensland
Bolinas Beach
Bolinas Beach is located in the state of Califronia, which is part of the infamous Red Triangle. The Red Triangle is known for the great white sharks that lurk there, preying on anything they can get. The sharks will mistake divers for food, causing devastating results. We recommend being very careful around this beach.
Bolinas Beach
New Smyrna Beach, Florida
While New Smyrna Beach in Florida is a beautiful tourist destination, you should definitely be careful while traveling here. This is because it is known for its shark-infested waters. Staying closer to inland is a much safer bet if you want to avoid these sea creatures.
New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls found in Zambia are truly a breathtaking sight. The waterfalls that can be seen here are some of the most beautiful in the world. However, due to their extreme height, they are also quite dangerous to those who are not careful enough. Swimming in the small pools around may be tempting, but they’re known as “The Devil’s Pools” because they are also quite dangerous.
Victoria Falls
Potomac River
The Potomac River flows through West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. The Potomac can get dangerous when the rapids come into play. They can quickly pull you underwater and are so strong that they would be quite hard to fight against. We would not recommend swimming here.
Potomac River
West End, Grand Bahama Islands
The Bahamas are quite the tourist destination, and with good reason. There some of the world’s most beautiful beaches here. However, with that, come the dangers of sharks. Tiger Beach is named for the tiger sharks that hang around the area, and these are quite vicious sharks. If you choose to swim here, do so with caution.
West End, Grand Bahama Islands
Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu, located in Rwanda in Africa, is known as one of the most dangerous lakes in the world. The reason why is that it can sometimes “explode,” or erupt, due to the fact that it is located close to a volcano. These lake eruptions result in a release of carbon dioxide, which is not something you’d like to come in contact with while on a swim, or at all.
Lake Kivu
Myrtle Beach
While Myrtle Beach in South Carolina can be quite a fun vacation destination, it’s important to know that sometimes the beach can be a quite dangerous. This beach can sometimes have very strong rip tides that can catch off-guard swimmers. In addition, the beach is home to cannonball jellyfish that can easily paralyze those they sting and can even be deadly in some cases.
Myrtle Beach
Gulf Of Thailand
The Gulf of Thailand is quite gorgeous and is the perfect location for the best possible Instagram photos. However, it is also home to box jellyfish, which is quite a dangerous species. The jellyfish’s sting is so strong that it can cause the person who is stung to go into shock. This is quite dangerous if its happens in the water, as the person can become paralyze temporarily and lead to drowning.
Gulf Of Thailand
Blue Lake, Russia
The Blue Lake in Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia is known for its stunning blue hue. However, the reason behind the color is actually to the high levels of hydrogen sulfide found in the body of water. Nobody has been able to reach the bottom of this lake, and so it is considered dangerous to swim in.
Blue Lake
Mono Lake, California
Lake Mono in California can be found very close by to Lake Tahoe. However, Lake Mono, despite its beauty, has been cut off from its crucial resources, and has now become quite toxic due to high levels of carbonates and other toxic material. So unlike Lake Tahoe, Mono Lake is not the best option for swimmers.
Mono Lake, California
Laguna Caliente
Laguna Caliente, found in Costa Rica, can be directly translated to “hot lagoon.” The reason this lagoon gets this name is because it is quite hot, like volcanic level hot. Its location in the middle of a stratovolcano means that a human could not survive a dip in this lagoon. In fact, visitors need a special permit just to traverse the areas around the lake.
Laguna Caliente
Lake Chagan, Kazakhstan
Lake Chagan in Kazakhstan is also known as the “Nuclear Lake,” which should be enough information for anyone to understand why it is not safe for swimming. This lake was actually formed after an underground nuclear bomb was set off. Therefore, this crater lake is actually quite poisonous. Definitely find somewhere else to swim!
Lake Chagan, Kazakhstan
Lake Nyos, Cameroon
Lake Nyos can be found in Cameroon in Africa and was actually formed after a collision of an asteroid! Luckily, it has stayed pretty docile since its creation but because it’s located by the Cameroon Volcanic Line, it is still host to some geologic activity such as eruptions that result in carbon dioxide emissions. This can quickly turn deadly, so it is advised to stay away.
Lake Nyos, Cameroon
Nyiragongo, Congo
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, you’ll find the Nyiragongo. You definitely should not even consider swimming here, as it is actually a volcano, and in fact, is the largest lava pit on Earth. It is also one of the hottest swimming holes that can be found, which also emits carbon dioxide. This combination is enough to have us looking for a different vacation spot.
Nyiragongo
Berkeley Pitt
Berkeley Pitt in Butte, Montana, is named for the enlightenment philosopher of the same name. Once a copper mine, the lake is now considered to be quite toxic due to the unsafe chemical composition of the water itself. Luckily, Montana is full of other swim-friendly locations you can try instead.
Berkeley Pitt
Beqa Lagoon
Beqa Lagoon, located in Fiji, is quite beautiful, as is its surrounding lush forests. However, this Lagoon is home to many sharks that can quickly surround an unsuspecting swimmer. Definitely keep this fact in mind when you’re looking to visiting this lagoon.
Beqa Lagoon
Pustoye Lake, Siberia
Lake Pustoye in Siberia looks quite beautiful and idyllic. However, you should absolutely not go swimming in this lake. Why? Well, the exact reason remains a mystery, but scientists have attempted to bring life forms such as plants and fish to the lake, and none have survived yet. That makes us think that swimming in these waters is probably not the best idea.
Pustoye Lake, Siberia
Mumbai, India
You can find some of the world’s most gorgeous beaches in Mumbai, India. However, these beaches are often also very toxic, due to uncontrolled industrialization. People have dumped an astonishing amount of waste in the water, which has led to this problem. These waters should definitely be avoided in terms of swimming.
Mumbai, India
