Why won’t Myrtle Beach allow Shibumi Shades on beach in summer? What to know

Deemed “the subject that will not go away,” by Mayor Mark Kruea, Shibumi Shades and other wind-activated shading devices may finally be coming to Myrtle Beach.

At a monthly workshop meeting Tuesday, Myrtle Beach City Council discussed introducing a pilot program to allow the popular shades on city beaches.

Although Shibumi Shades haven’t been involved in accidents on Myrtle Beach shores – unlike traditional umbrellas – safety officials raised concerns that the larger shades could obstruct authorities’ ocean visibility, potentially endangering swimmers. Ultimately, Council referred the matter of a shading device trial period to the city’s Beach Advisory Committee for consideration and recommendations.

With peak tourist season approaching in Myrtle Beach, the shading regulations affect anyone planning a trip to the Myrtle Beach area — and the stakes go beyond convenience.

Beach umbrellas have caused death and serious injuries along the South Carolina coast. At the same time, popular alternatives like Shibumi Shades remain banned during the busiest months of the year, leaving visitors caught between wanting shade and following the law.

But what are Shibumi Shades, and why does Myrtle Beach restrict them? Here’s what to know about the popular beach shading devices.

Why Myrtle Beach bans Shibumi Shades during peak season

Shibumi Shades — wind-driven shading devices made in North Carolina that span 10 to 15 feet and fly overhead between two poles — are allowed in Myrtle Beach only until Memorial Day. After that, the city enforces an umbrella-only rule through Labor Day.

Myrtle Beach implemented its shading device rule in 2014 ahead of the summer months. Tents and shading devices block access and visibility to the water’s edge, affecting public safety and enjoyment of the beach, the city’s website said.

The restrictions are even tighter in Horry County, which manages 14 miles of beaches. The county bans all shading devices except those designed for infants and small children year-round.

During peak season, the only shading devices allowed on Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach and Horry County beaches are umbrellas with a diameter less than 7½ feet. All Horry County beaches also require umbrellas to sit behind the umbrella line or the lifeguard stands.

Why beachgoers want Shibumi Shades on Grand Strand beaches

The popularity of Shibumi Shades has soared, and their owners have pushed to change the rules. In 2023, the owners asked Horry County to loosen restrictions on when the shades can be used. They also asked Myrtle Beach officials to amend its policy.

The shades are often easier to set up than a beach umbrella, which has to be secured in the sand to prevent it from blowing away and potentially injuring someone.

In addition, the shades are lighter than having to carry umbrellas.

County and city councils have discussed allowing them, but the ban during peak season remains in place across Grand Strand beaches.

How beach umbrellas have caused death and injuries at Myrtle Beach

The safety concerns behind these regulations are not hypothetical. There have been lawsuits involving rogue beach umbrellas in the Myrtle Beach area.

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.

Another lawsuit was filed by Rhonda Williams against Johns Beach Services, one of the beach rental companies serving 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 in 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.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by journalists.

This story was originally published April 9, 2026 at 9:52 AM.