Myrtle Beach’s oceanfront is both clean and safe, thanks to ongoing investments by the City of Myrtle Beach. Our 10 miles of beach fronting the Atlantic Ocean are our most precious and important natural resource! The beach and ocean are why we live here and why millions of people choose to vacation here every year. The following information will help provide peace of mind as you enjoy the sun, sand and surf in Myrtle Beach.
BEACH FLAG SYSTEM & PUBLIC SAFETY
Myrtle Beach has a specific set of beach flags to let beach-goers know about water conditions. Pictured here is a sign showing the flag system. These flags will fly from lifeguard stands to alert of any potential dangers.
As indicated, a double red flag means the water is closed to the public; no swimming is allowed. A single red flag indicates hazardous conditions, such as strong waves or currents. Medium hazards are indicated by a yellow flag, while a green flag shows that conditions are generally good. A blue flag indicates dangerous marine life, such as a high number of jellyfish.
You’ll notice both Police and Fire Department personnel on the beach. During peak season, three EMS crews are available on the beach, seven days a week, to provide first aid and assist with any water-related emergencies. The Police Department's Beach Patrol also has officers working on the beach. The lifeguard services, through a franchise agreement with the city, provide watchful eyes and are ready to assist beachgoers and swimmers. Finally, the city has a dedicated beach coordinator to look after and monitor the oceanfront, the sand dunes and the public accesses. To learn more about beach safety, including laws and regulations, download the city's Safety Tips and Beach Regulations brochure.
BEACH LAWS & REGULATIONS
Alcohol is NOT allowed on the beach.
Glass containers and bottles are NOT allowed on the beach.
It is illegal to disturb or damage the dunes, the sand fencing or the sea grass oats. Stay on the boardwalks and marked paths!
Aquatic activity (swimming, surfing, etc.) is not allowed within 75 yards of a pier.
Metal detecting is allowed on the public beach, but NOT in the dunes, the street ends or any other public property.
Littering is illegal. Please use trash and recycling containers provided.
It is illegal to discharge, sell, store or possess fireworks within the city, including the beach. Fireworks displays by pyrotechnic professionals may be approved if permitted and supervised.
All fires are prohibited on the beach, including barbecues and bonfires.
Commercial activity is prohibited on the public beach. Non-commercial weddings (where no one is being paid) are allowed without a permit. Commercial weddings are not allowed.
From May 1 through Labor Day, dogs are allowed on the beach only before 10:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. From the day after Labor Day to April 30 each year, dogs are allowed on the beach at any time of day. (Note: At all times, dogs must be on a leash seven feet or shorter, and you must pick up and properly dispose of droppings.)
Dogs and bicycles are allowed on the boardwalk only between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. from May 1 through Labor Day. From the day after Labor Day through April 30 each year, dogs and bicycles are allowed on the boardwalk at any time. (Note: At all times, dogs must be on a leash seven feet or shorter, and you must pick up and properly dispose of droppings.)
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, only circular umbrellas, up to seven-and-a-half feet in diameter, are allowed. From the day after Labor Day until Memorial Day, tents and canopies up to 12-by-12 square feet are allowed. Umbrellas must be in line with or behind the lifeguards' line of umbrellas or landward of the mean high tide line. Tents and canopies, when allowed, must be 10 feet behind the established umbrella line.
Items may not be set up on the beach before 8:00 a.m. and must be removed from the beach by 7:00 p.m. daily.
"Thong" style bathing suits are not allowed on the beach or in public.
Violations of these ordinances are misdemeanors, subject to a fine of up to $500 and/or 30 days in jail, upon conviction. For more information, download our Beach Safety brochure.
TENTS & UMBRELLASTents are convenient, but their use had become so plentiful at peak times and locations that they blocked access and visibility to the water's edge, affecting public safety and enjoyment of our beautiful beach. For this reason, the City of Myrtle Beach has restricted the use of tents and other shading devices, except umbrellas, from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
During summer months, umbrellas up to seven-and-a-half feet in diameter are allowed in line with or behind the established umbrella line, but no other shading devices are permitted. Tents up to 12-by-12 feet square and less than nine feet tall may be used from the day after Labor Day until Memorial Day, behind the umbrella line and 10 feet apart.