MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – The city’s beach advisory committee recommends reopening the beaches in one week, after they were closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The committee met Friday afternoon and discussed a plan to reopen the beaches on Friday, May 1. Only residents with city decals can park at beach access lots north of 30th Avenue North. Lots would be open for paid parking and city decals for everyone south of that point.
Anyone at the beach could only swim in waist-high water. The physical distancing guidelines from Gov. Henry McMaster would stay in effect on the beach, which means no groups of more than three people and keeping six feet of distance between them. Lifeguards also would start working on May 1.
Myrtle Beach police would patrol to make sure everyone is on the beach safely.
“Have at least one designated patrol officer on the beach, weather permitting, from 10 to 5 daily between 64th and 70th avenues (north), which have been traditional, I would call them hot spots, for too many people on the beach,” said Steve Taylor, who’s the chair of the beach advisory committee.
The committee can only recommend changes, not approve them. City council must approve the proposal before beaches can reopen.
Council’s next meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday.
