(WBTW) – As summer approaches, seasonal beach rules along the Grand Strand have started to go into effect.  Here’s a reminder of some beach rules throughout Horry and Georgetown counties. 

MYRTLE BEACH

According to the City of Myrtle Beach’s website:

  • Alcohol and glass containers and bottles are not allowed on beaches
  • “Aquatic activity” such as swimming and surfing is not allowed within 75 yards of a pier
  • “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.”
  • From May 1 until Labor Day, dogs are allowed on the beach between 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. Dogs must be on a leash that is seven feet or shorter at all times, and droppings must be picked up and disposed of properly.
  • Dogs and bikes are allowed on the boardwalk between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. May 1 through Labor Day.
  • “Thong” style bathing suits are not allowed in public or on the beach
  • From Memorial Day until Labor Day, only circular umbrellas up to 7.5 feet in diameter are allowed. “Umbrellas must be in line with or behind the lifeguards’ line of umbrellas or landward of the mean high tide line.”

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH

According to the City of North Myrtle Beach’s website:

  • Alcohol, glass, and fireworks are prohibited
  • No swimming beyond 50 yards or shoulder height
  • All watercraft must operate more than 100 yards offshore
  • From May 15 to September 15, no dogs are allowed on the beaches between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. A leash law is in effect at all times and the maximum length for a leash is 7 feet. Waste must be picked up and disposed of properly.
  • Golf carts must display a SC permit sticker, be driven by a licensed driver, are only allowed on secondary roads, and can only operate during daylight. Golf carts must obey all state traffic laws and can cross primary roads at Ocean Blvd, 27th Ave. S, Hwy 17 or Sea Mountain Highway.

SURFSIDE BEACH

According to Surfside Beach’s website:

  • Fires are prohibited on beaches
  • Smoking is prohibited on beaches and public beach accesses
  • No motor vehicles, including cars, trucks, golf carts, and mopeds, are allowed to operate on beaches at anytime
  • Dogs and other domestic pets are not allowed on public beaches between May 15 and September 15
  • Horses and other large animals are not allowed on beaches
  • Watercraft can only be launched from the 4th Ave. South beach access
  • Boats are not allowed to operate any closer than 50 yards from shore
  • Jets skis are not allowed to operate any closer than 150 yards between May 15 and September 15
  • Shark fishing within town limits is prohibited
  • Fireworks are not allowed on public beaches
  • No alcoholic beverages are allowed on beaches
  • Surfing is not allowed within 300 feet of a fishing pier and surfers are required to wear surfing leashes at all times
  • Between May 15 and September 15, surfing is only allowed in designated areas between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
  • “Swimmers are to venture into the water no deeper than chest-deep and no further than 50 yards from the shoreline.”

HORRY COUNTY

According to Horry County Government’s website:

  • Alcohol is prohibited on beaches and beach accesses
  • No vehicles are allowed on beaches
  • No glass is allowed on beaches
  • No jumping or diving from piers
  • Sleeping on the beach is not allowed from 9 p.m. until 8 a.m.
  • Animals are not allowed on the beach from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. May 1 through Labor Day. Animals must be on a hand-held leash no longer than 7 feet and owners must clean up after their pets.
  • Nudity and thong bathing suits are prohibited
  • “Fireworks are prohibited on the beach and oceanfront properties that have been deemed and posted as a Firework Prohibited Zone.”
  • Bicycles are not allowed on the beach between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. May 1 through Labor Day
  • Shark fishing from any pier, beach, or shore is prohibited
  • Anyone surf fishing must have a valid SC issued surf fishing license
  • Swimming is not allowed more than 50 yards from shore or less depending on conditions
  • Golf carts are permitted on the beach between Nov. 1 and February 28
  • Surfing is not allowed within 75 yards of any pier and all surfers must wear a surfing leash with a maximum length of 7 feet

GEORGETOWN COUNTY

According to Georgetown County’s website:

  • No alcoholic liquors or glass containers are allowed on the beach
  • No vehicles are allowed on beaches or dunes
  • Dogs must be leashed from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.
  • “Dogs that are not leashed during other hours must be under voice control and owners must be able to demonstrate voice control to a law enforcement officer if asked.”
  • No nudity
  • No sleeping on the beach from midnight to sunrise
  • Beach accesses are open one hour before sunrise and close at 10 p.m. between April 15 and October 31.
  • “Many areas of Georgetown County’s beaches are included in ‘fireworks free zones.’ If in doubt contact the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office at 843-546-5102 to check your area. Also note that debris produced from fireworks is considered litter. Those shooting fireworks are responsible for cleanup and removal from public beaches.”