HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)- Due to a National Weather Service advisory of High Rip Currents, Horry County Beaches are closed to swimming until further notice.
Lt. Raul Denis says Horry County Police will be monitoring the beaches and recalling from the ocean waters, and the surf adjoining the water, for any person in the ocean waters at any distance at any time when the beaches are closed to swimming.
Any person failing to obey the directions and instructions of beach personnel (deputies, constables, police officers, state park rangers, their authorized agents, and beach franchise lifeguards) with regard this matter may be subject to arrest by law enforcement personnel and a fine of $225.
The Myrtle Beach Police Department also issued a red flag with a no swimming advisory due to the potential for severe weather.
The Beach Flag Rating System is as follows:
- Two Red Flags: No water activity is allowed. Lifeguards and local law enforcement patrol the beach ensuring the safety of everyone.
- One Red Flag: The public is encouraged to stay out of the ocean. Even the strongest swimmers can easily find themselves in dangerous currents. Rip currents are difficult to locate and are created without typical warning signs.
- Yellow Flag: The public is encouraged to only swim in front of posted lifeguard towers. The lifeguards can spot most dangerous rip currents and inform the patrons accordingly. Lifeguard towers are usually posted at locations of safety.
- Green Flag: The public is still encouraged to swim in front of posted lifeguard towers. Strong rip currents are static and can emerge with little warning.
- Purple Flag: (Man-o-War, jellyfish of any variety, blue buttons, sea nettles) These dangerous marine creatures are difficult to spot because they tend to be under the water surface. Caution should be taken while swimming.