Unique beach oddities explained in this coastal South Carolina region
The articles explain several unique occurrences and oddities seen along Myrtle Beach. They show how natural forces, wildlife, and human activity shape the coastal experience.
Live cameras help residents and visitors track storms and their effects in real time. People sometimes report unusual ocean smells after hurricanes, but scientists point to either natural sea compounds or debris as the cause. Heavy rains and storms turn the ocean water near shore brown because floodwaters wash dirt and debris into the sea. During renourishment projects, crews close parts of the beach and move sand to fight erosion. Lifeguards warn people to avoid dark spots in the water because they signal schools of fish, which attract larger predators. Pet owners learn to watch out for sea foam on the sand, which can pose a risk if polluted. Some days, visitors step around jellyfish and salps—blobs that look odd but are harmless. Fall brings biting flies, and summer hazards include holes dug in the sand. Together, these events reveal the many ways Myrtle Beach changes and adapts through seasons and storms.
NO. 1: HOW SEA FOAM IN MYRTLE BEACH AREA CAN HURT YOUR DOG. WHAT TO KNOW IF PET ROMPS IN OCEAN
Sea foam can often be seen along the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. People often take their pets for a walk on the beach and possible swim. | Published August 22, 2024 | Read Full Story by Terri Richardson
NO. 2: NOTICE MUDDY OCEAN WATER IN THE MYRTLE BEACH, SC AREA? WHAT’S CAUSING THE COLOR CHANGE
Waters off the coast of the Carolinas may be a hue of brown instead of blue for the next couple days. Here’s why that’s happening. | Published September 22, 2024 | Read Full Story by Emalyn Muzzy
NO. 3: ARE THE HURRICANES CAUSING THE OCEAN IN MYRTLE BEACH TO STINK? PEOPLE REPORTING IT SMELLS
People online have complained about the Atlantic Ocean stinking around the Myrtle Beach, SC area. Is it because of Hurricane Helene? | Published October 9, 2024 | Read Full Story by Emalyn Muzzy
NO. 4: BITING FLIES ARE OUT IN THE MYRTLE BEACH AREA. WHY NOW & HOW TO AVOID BITES ON YOUR SC BEACH DAY
These critters have started swarming around the Myrtle Beach area and biting people. Here’s what to know about them. | Published October 11, 2024 | Read Full Story by Maria Elena Scott
NO. 5: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT BEACH CLOSURES FOR RENOURISHMENT IN THE MYRTLE BEACH AREA THIS SPRING
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is planning beach renourishment around the Myrtle Beach, SC area this spring. Here’s what you need to know about the construction timeline and beach access closures. | Published January 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Maria Elena Scott
NO. 6: THOUSANDS OF LITTLE BLOBS ARE WASHING UP ON MYRTLE BEACH, SC AREA BEACHES. THEY’RE NOT JELLYFISH
Have you seen the clear, gelatinous creatures all over Grand Strand beaches? Here’s what the blobs are and why they’re covering the shore around Myrtle Beach. | Published April 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Maria Elena Scott
NO. 7: WATCH YOUR STEP! KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THESE DANGERS ON MYRTLE BEACH, SC SHORES THIS SUMMER
Sprains, cuts and stings: don’t let these hazards on the coast of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina ruin your beach day. | Published April 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Maria Elena Scott
NO. 8: WHAT ARE THOSE DARK SPOTS IN THE OCEAN? HERE’S WHY LIFEGUARDS WANT YOU TO AVOID THEM
What are those dark spots in the water and why are lifeguards so concerned about them? All you need to know about bait balls in Myrtle Beach | Published June 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Win Hammond
The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.