News Summary
As summer approaches, Grand Strand beaches unveil new sun shade regulations designed to enhance safety and enjoyment for beachgoers. Each municipality has tailored specific guidelines addressing umbrella dimensions, kid-friendly shades, and lifeguard visibility. Horry County, North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, and Surfside Beach all have different rules for shade setups. Ongoing discussions may open the door for additional shading options in the future.
New Sun Shade Regulations Custom Fit for Grand Strand Beaches This Summer
As summer rolls in, beach lovers flock to the beautiful shores of the Grand Strand, ready to soak up the sun, splash in the waves, and make unforgettable memories. However, with the sun shining down, it’s essential that everyone takes proper sun protection seriously. Luckily, different municipalities along the Grand Strand have created new and specific regulations aimed at keeping beachgoers safe while enjoying their time in the sand.
Let’s break it down by city!
Horry County
For those heading to the unincorporated parts of Horry County, it’s important to note that only circular umbrellas and small pop-up or blow-up shades designed for infants are allowed on the beach year-round. If you’re planning on bringing a tent or a Shibumi Shade, you’ll need to think again, as those are not permitted.
When it comes to umbrella size, make sure yours has a maximum diameter of 7.5 feet. As for your little ones, their cabanas can be no larger than 4 feet in width, 3 feet in depth, and 3 feet in height. It’s important to keep the lifeguards’ visibility in mind too—shades can’t block their line of sight. Also, ensure your umbrellas are set up at least 10 feet from any established franchise umbrella line, or above the high-tide line if no line is present. Plus, there are defined emergency vehicle access lanes that stretch 10 feet wide from the dunes toward the sea!
North Myrtle Beach
In North Myrtle Beach, things are a bit different! Between May 15 and Labor Day, only circular umbrellas and infant shades for kids 18 months and younger are allowed. These umbrellas can have a maximum diameter of 9 feet and be up to 7.5 feet tall. For those little baby shades, make sure they stay within 3 feet by 3 feet dimensions.
Once the peak season wraps up, you can enjoy a wider variety of shading options, including cabanas and tarps. Just remember, no shading devices can be within the designated emergency vehicle access lanes, which are placed about 20 to 25 feet from the dune line.
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach follows similar rules, particularly between Memorial Day and Labor Day. You’ll need to stick with circular umbrellas (max 7.5 feet in diameter) and children’s tents (no larger than 4 feet by 3 feet). After Labor Day, larger shading devices, stretching up to 144 square feet and 9 feet tall, become all the rage! Just remember to keep these devices clear from lifeguard sightlines and positioned at least 10 feet from the established franchise umbrella lines.
Surfside Beach
Finally, Surfside Beach’s beach shading regulations are a year-round affair, closely resembling those in Horry County. Your umbrellas should not exceed 9 feet in diameter and 7.5 feet in height. As for baby tents? They should be limited to a height of 31 inches and a width of 31.5 inches. It’s also essential to set up your shading devices at least 8 feet from the dune line and behind the lifeguard stands.
Any tents or tarps that don’t fit within the standard guidelines will be classified as tents, which come with their own size and setup requirements. These tents, too, should respect emergency access points and ensure single-row placement in designated beach segments.
Ongoing Discussions on New Shade Devices
Excitingly, there’s chatter among local officials about possibly allowing wind-driven shades like Shibumi Shades in Horry County! These innovative devices have gained popularity due to their safety features—since they don’t become flying projectiles like traditional umbrellas. Public demand for more shading options is fueling this discussion, and the Horry County Council is set to review the possibilities, including a trial period for these wind-driven shades.
Of course, public safety, visibility for lifeguards, and beach congestion are weighing heavily on the minds of local officials as they consider how to navigate this hot topic.
So, there you have it! Stay informed, stay protected, and enjoy the sun responsibly on the stunning Grand Strand beaches this summer!
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Additional Resources
- Horry News: Shade Device Regulations on Grand Strand Beaches
- Wikipedia: Sun Protection
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local News Article
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Sun Protection
- Post and Courier: Myrtle Beach Umbrella Policy Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beach
- Country 103.7 FM: After Labor Day Rules Myrtle Beach
- Google News: Myrtle Beach Beach Regulations
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
