Safety first for Myrtle Beach holiday revelers

Recent reports of shark bites may have captured the attention of beachgoers, but such attacks remain rare. Not understanding the rules and the more common dangers of the beach are more likely to mar the holiday.

Gene Hudson, who runs Myrtle Beach Lifeguards and trains those who fill the lifeguard stands along the Grand Strand, says that visitors are not always familiar with local regulations, and need to be reminded of safety tips.

“Some people go to the beach one time a year, and we absolutely love them, but they don’t always know what the laws are,” Hudson said. “Number one rule for safety is swim near a lifeguard. Number two is don’t go out farther than 50 yards or shoulder deep, whichever comes first, and that’s a law.”

Hudson says people should take a moment and familiarize themselves with what the city ordinances prohibit, such as no glass containers on the beach, and no flotation devices that don’t have a rope around the edges.

“We also expect some afternoon storms during the summer,” he said. “If there is lightning, people should get out of the water and off the beach.”

Audrey Connell and her husband, Jack, who live in Little River, said they have family that comes to visit from Michigan every year, and they make sure adults and children alike are aware of the beach rules.

“It’s very important that families who visit the beach are familiar with rules and safety, even if they come from up north or the Great Lakes area,” said Audrey Connell. “I lay out the rules for my grandchildren the minute they arrive, and they all know, Nana’s rules are safety first.”

She and her husband say they try hard to keep up with new rules and to keep one another informed.

Mark Kruea, public information officer for the city, said that most visitors to the beach “ask for clarification, so they can follow the rules. I don’t get many people saying the rules are an issue.”

He did point out that violation of city ordinances is a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to $500 in fines and/or 30 days in jail. In addition, not only are fireworks prohibited on the beach, the simple possession of fireworks is illegal within the city limits and will net you a $205 ticket.

“Go spend that money at a restaurant or shop and watch one of the professional fireworks displays,” said Kruea. “Enjoy your visit, have a great time, but do so with safety in mind.”

For those who plan to spend time at the ocean, Hudson pointed out that visitors and residents should know lifeguard flag colors as well. There are five basic colors beach goers should know:

▪ Orange | no life guard is on duty;

▪ Green | lifeguard is on duty and swimming is permitted;

▪ Yellow | caution, there may be rip currents or nearby marine life like jelly fish;

▪ Blue | signifies there is aquatic danger, like a large number of sharks or man-o-war in the area, and swimmers need to be aware of their surroundings;

▪ Red | the beach is closed and you should not get in the water. Reasons may include strong rip currents, unsafe surf conditions, hurricanes or other life-threatening conditions.

Myrtle Beach has a list of ordinances that apply specifically to the beach, such as no dogs or bikes allowed on from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day. There are no fires or grills permitted on the beach, and no alcohol consumption on the beach except in specifically permitted areas, such as restaurants with beachfront property and permits.

No cars or horses are allowed on the beach, and you are not allowed to fish for shark from the piers, or swim within 75 feet of a pier. There is no jumping or diving from a pier.

“We want people to enjoy their visits here,” Hudson said, “but we want them to go home safely, too.”

This story was originally published July 2, 2015 at 6:17 PM with the headline "Safety first for Myrtle Beach holiday revelers."