Beach umbrellas cause death, injuries in Myrtle Beach area. What are shading device laws?
Correction: A previous version of this article misspelled Shibumi Shades. (Updated 9 a.m. Feb. 18, 2025)
A beach umbrella is often a necessity for spending hours lounging in the hot sun on the Grand Strand’s sandy beaches — but they can cause injury and death.
Coastal cities, such as Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, have laws regarding the use of umbrellas on its beaches. However, it hasn’t prevented beachgoers from being injured or even killed by the shading devices.
There are currently two pending lawsuits regarding rogue beach umbrellas. A wrongful death suit was filed in 2023 on behalf of Tammy Perreault against East Coast Umbrella. In 2022, Perreault was at the beach when an unanchored umbrella impaled and killed her, The Sun News previously reported.
A more recent lawsuit was filed by Rhonda Williams against Johns Beach Services, one of the beach rental companies that serve the Myrtle Beach area, and East Coast Umbrella. An umbrella set up by the beach company allegedly came loose in 2022 and hit Williams, resulting in “serious” injuries, the lawsuit filed February 2025 said.
Myrtle Beach and Horry County require beachgoers to set up umbrellas in a way that will “restrict uncontrolled movement” and prevent the shading device from flying away. Myrtle Beach recommends using weights, stakes or fasteners to keep the umbrella in the sand.
North Myrtle Beach’s ordinances do not mention keeping umbrellas secure, but do mention size and location restrictions.
Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach and Horry County prohibit tents used on the beach during the on-season, which is from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The only shading devices allowed are umbrellas with a diameter less than 7 1/2 feet. All Horry County beaches also require umbrellas to sit behind the umbrella line or the lifeguard stands.
Shibumi Shades are illegal to use during the on-season across Grand Strand beaches, although county and city councils have discussed allowing them.
How to keep your umbrella in the sand
The United States Consumer Product and Safety Commission advises those on the beach to tightly secure their shading device because a free-flying umbrella can cause injury or death.
Tips include properly mounting the umbrella in the sand and making sure the umbrella or anchor can withstand up to 30 mph winds or a 75-pound force. If the umbrella becomes unstable in windy conditions, it is recommended to close it immediately.
Mike Haney, the creator of Mike’s Spike, said he recommends using a market umbrella, instead of one with a dome shape, as it holds up against wind better. He also said to always make sure the umbrella leans into the wind, as that will drive the pole into the ground.
Haney said he’d like to see people add stakes and cables to their umbrellas to add an extra layer of protection if the device does get free.
Mike’s Spike works by being driven into the beach while not disturbing the sand around around the anchor. This helps hold it in place better than something like a screw anchor.
“The beach isn’t like wood where you can screw something in,” Haney said.
Sand bags can also be attached to an umbrella to prevent it from flying away, AmmSun wrote. The beach accessory company recommends placing the umbrella in wet or packed sand and inserting the rod 12 to 16 inches into the ground.
“Your umbrella won’t hurt you,” Haney said. “You gotta watch for the person that’s upwind from you.”
This story was originally published February 15, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
