MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – The city’s fire department says it’s been a safer start to this summer on the city’s bodies of water.
Myrtle Beach firefighter Scott Pillow is slowly driving on Springmaid Beach, always with an eye on the water.
“Someone is going to signal us if we happen not to see something that is going on,” said Pillow, who’s a member of MBFD’s ocean rescue team. “But it could be a medical emergency or a first aid call on the beach, or it could be someone in the water.”
Pillow is one of the fire department’s trained swimmers, who patrol about three-mile sections of beach. The department is prepared to go in the ocean to rescue swimmers or anyone out on a boat.
Firefighters also hear from lifeguards in the event of a medical emergency or a water rescue.
“We actually have a lifeguard radio in here that we carry with us,” Pillow said.
Crews expect the beaches to be busier around the Fourth of July holiday, which could mean more emergency calls.
So far, Lt. Jonathan Evans with Myrtle Beach fire says it’s fortunately been a quieter start to the year.
“I think with the weather being a little bit cooler, that helped us,” Lt. Evans said. “We didn’t have as many people on the beach. It’s been a little bit safer this year. We also bumped up our patrols this year from three patrols to four, which has helped as well.”
Pillow says his goal is to help anyone enjoying the beach.
“We’re out here to inform and educate as well with what people can and can’t do, and what’s going to help keep our beaches safe,” Pillow said.
Ocean rescue crews from MBFD patrol the beach from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
