Spring break is coming up. Beach laws to know before arriving in Myrtle Beach, SC area
As the weather warms up and schools release their students for spring break, the beaches in Myrtle Beach may start to see more activity.
Here’s what laws to remember when sunbathing and swimming.
Stay sober while on the sand
Horry County, Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach ban the consumption and possession of alcohol on the beach, whether it’s beer, wine or liquor. Glass bottles are also prohibited.
Surfside Beach and Georgetown County, which includes part of Murrells Inlet, does not specifically mention alcohol on beaches, but it also doesn’t allow people to drink alcohol on public property.
Keep your butt covered
Myrtle Beach specifically outlaws thong bathing suits from city beaches. While North Myrtle Beach, Horry County and Surfside Beach do not mention types of swimsuits, each ban people from exposing their buttocks.
Georgetown County bans nudity on its beaches.
Sleep in a bed — not the beach
Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Horry County and Georgetown County stop people from sleeping on the beaches at night. North Myrtle Beach’s sleep prohibition lasts from 9 p.m. to sunrise, Myrtle Beach and Horry County from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. and Georgetown County from midnight to sunrise.
Surfside Beach does not have a designated law banning sleeping on the beach but forbids people from camping on public grounds.
Afternoon naps are permissible on all beaches in the Grand Strand.
No spot saving
When headed home after a day on the sand, beach goers must take all their belongings, including all beach towels, umbrellas and chairs used. In Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach and Horry County, anything left unattended on the beach between 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. is subject to government collection.
Surfside Beach doesn’t allow unguarded items from 9 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. and Georgetown County’s ban starts at sunset.
Swimmers take priority — unless there’s a fishing pier
Municipalities tend to side with the swimmers when it comes to beach fishing. People cannot fish within 50 feet of someone swimming in the ocean in the city of Myrtle Beach.
Horry and Georgetown County ordinances state fishers must maintain a safe environment for swimmers, while North Myrtle Beach lifeguards can tell a person to stop fishing if it’s in the public’s best interest.
Surfside Beach is the only municipality that bans surf fishing. In the town, it is illegal to fish from the beach from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 15 through Sept. 15.
In Myrtle Beach, no aquatic activity is permitted within 75 yards of a fishing pier. Georgetown and Horry County ban swimming within 50 feet of a pier.
Don’t even think about trying to catch a shark
It is strictly prohibited to catch or bait for sharks at all piers and beaches in Horry County. This ordinance also extends to other dangerous sea life in several municipalities.
Refill any sand holes
At all beaches in Horry County, it is illegal to dig a hole or trench in the sand and then leave it open. Nearly every city and county also bars beach goers from creating a hole deeper than two feet, except in North Myrtle Beach where it is one foot.
Bring the beach tents for spring break
While most beaches in Horry County ban anything other than a beach umbrella for shade during the on-season, tents are allowed during spring break season.
Beginning in May through Labor Day, only tents with adiameter of 7 1/2 feet or less can be used in Myrtle Beach, Horry County and North Myrtle Beach.
