BEACH CONDITIONS & LAWS

OVERVIEW

The City of Myrtle Beach’s oceanfront is both clean and safe, thanks to ongoing investments by the city.  Our 10 miles of beach fronting the Atlantic Ocean are our most precious and important natural resource!  The beach and ocean are why we live here and why millions of people choose to vacation here every year.  The information below will help provide peace of mind as you enjoy the sun, sand, and surf in Myrtle Beach.

CHECK MY BEACH WEBSITE

Myrtle Beach and other Grand Strand cities have worked with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to improve the state’s Beach Monitoring Program.  With help from the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, we have created a new Check My Beach website for water quality and safety information.  The site provides information on everything from rip currents to beach flags to water quality testing.  The goal is to provide accurate, up-to-date information directly to beachgoers.  DHEC routinely tests ocean water quality at more than 120 South Carolina locations during the swim season, from May 1 through October 1.  The City of Myrtle Beach also tests ocean water quality weekly during the summer months.  

BEACH FLAG SYSTEM & PUBLIC SAFETY

Myrtle Beach has a specific set of beach flags to let beach-goers know about water conditions.  Pictured here is a sign showing the flag system.  These flags will fly from lifeguard stands to alert of any potential dangers.

As indicated, a double red flag means the water is closed to the public; no swimming is allowed.  A single red flag indicates hazardous conditions, such as strong waves or currents.  Medium hazards are indicated by a yellow flag, while a green flag shows that conditions are generally good.  A blue flag indicates dangerous marine life, such as a high number of jellyfish.

You’ll notice both Police and Fire Department personnel on the beach.  During peak season, three EMS crews are available on the beach, seven days a week, to provide first aid and assist with any water-related emergencies.  The Police Department's Beach Patrol also has officers working on the beach.  The lifeguard services, through a franchise agreement with the city, provide watchful eyes and are ready to assist beachgoers and swimmers.  Finally, the city has a dedicated beach coordinator to look after and monitor the oceanfront, the sand dunes, and the public accesses.  To learn more about beach safety, including laws and regulations, download the city's Beach Safety brochure.

BEACH LAWS & REGULATIONS 

• Alcohol is NOT allowed on the beach.

• Glass containers and bottles are NOT allowed on the beach.

• It is illegal to disturb or damage the dunes, the sand fencing, or the sea grass oats.  Stay on the boardwalks and marked paths!

• Aquatic activity (swimming, surfing, etc.) is not allowed within 75 yards of a pier.

• Metal detecting is allowed on the public beach, but NOT in the dunes, the street ends, or any other public property.

• Littering is illegal.  Please use the trash and recycling containers provided.

• Digging holes deeper than two feet is prohibited.  All holes must be filled before leaving the beach.  Metal shovels are not allowed for recreational digging.

• Swimmers have priority and right-of-way over surf fishing.  People fishing must maintain at least a 50-foot separation from any swimmers.  Fishing is not allowed in front of the chair-and-umbrella lines.

• All fires are prohibited on the beach, including barbecues and bonfires.

• Commercial activity is prohibited on the public beach.  Non-commercial weddings (where no one is paid) are allowed without a permit.  Commercial weddings are not allowed.

• From May 1 through Labor Day, dogs are allowed on the beach only before 10:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m.  From the day after Labor Day to April 30 each year, dogs are allowed on the beach at any time of day.  (Note:  At all times, dogs must be on a leash seven feet or shorter, and you must pick up and properly dispose of droppings.) *Excludes Service Dogs

• Dogs and bicycles are allowed on the boardwalk only between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. from May 1 through Labor Day.  From the day after Labor Day through April 30 each year, dogs and bicycles are allowed on the boardwalk at any time.  (Note:  At all times, dogs must be on a leash seven feet or shorter, and you must pick up and properly dispose of droppings.) *Excludes Service Dogs

• From Memorial Day through Labor Day, only circular umbrellas, up to seven-and-a-half feet in diameter, are allowed.  From the day after Labor Day until Memorial Day, tents and canopies up to 12-by-12 square feet are allowed.  Umbrellas must be in line with or behind the lifeguards' line of umbrellas or landward of the mean high tide line.  Tents and canopies, when allowed, must be 10 feet behind the established umbrella line.  Infant shelters are allowed year-round, but cannot be any larger than four feet wide, three feet deep, and three feet tall.  To learn more, visit our Chair/Umbrella Rentals & Accessibility webpage.

• Items may not be set up on the beach before 8:00 a.m. and must be removed from the beach by 7:00 p.m. daily.

• "Thong" style bathing suits are not allowed on the beach or in public.  G-strings, T-Backs, "dental floss" style, and thongs are prohibited in public.  

• Violations of these ordinances are misdemeanors, subject to a fine of up to $500 and/or 30 days in jail, upon conviction.  For more information, download our Beach Safety brochure.

KAYAK & SURFBOARD USAGE RESTRICTIONS

Per city ordinance, the City of Myrtle Beach restricts the usage of kayaks and surfboards to specific times and locations within city limits for the purpose of public safety.  From May 1 through Labor Day, kayaks and surfboards are allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at the following locations only:

1. From 710 feet of the Center Line of the 29th Avenue South Street End to the Southernmost End of City Limits

2. From 34th Avenue North to 47th Avenue North

3. From 78th Avenue North to 81st Avenue North

4. From 87th Avenue North to the Northernmost End of City Limits

5. From 62nd Avenue North to 68th Avenue North

FLOTATION DEVICE RESTRICTIONS

Per city ordinance, all flotation devices must be fabric-covered and have a 360-degree rope (three-eighths-inch minimum diameter) with a 10 percent slack, or must be U.S. Coast Guard approved as a flotation device.  The devices that do not meet these requirements will not be permitted on the surf or in the water.  (This section does not apply to surfboards, paddleboards, and skimboards, which are allowed only in designated surf zones or times.)

THIRD PARTY WHEELCHAIR RENTALS

If you want to have a beach wheelchair for overnight and multiple-day usage, third-party rental companies exist in the area.  Please note that the list of private companies is a courtesy resource, and the city does not endorse any commercial businesses.  The rental fees and restrictions are set by the individual companies, and the City of Myrtle Beach is not responsible for any reimbursement cost. 

Wheelchairs and Scooters of Myrtle Beach

1325 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach SC 29577

843-446-8723

Mobility Center

7831 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach SC 29577

843-692-8001