News Summary
In a significant operational shift, Myrtle Beach lifeguards will continue focusing solely on ocean safety, as beach rental management transitions to new attendants. This change enhances beachgoer safety, allowing lifeguards to respond more effectively to emergencies. The city has doubled staffing and formalized roles through franchise agreements, enabling a safer beach experience. Ongoing discussions regarding lifeguard service management reflect the city’s commitment to improving community safety during the busy summer season.
Myrtle Beach – In a significant operational shift, lifeguards at Myrtle Beach will continue to focus solely on ocean safety for the third consecutive summer, as the management of beach rental equipment such as chairs and umbrellas has transitioned to new beach attendants. This change is expected to enhance the overall safety of beachgoers by allowing lifeguards to dedicate their full attention to monitoring the water.
This year, more than 80 contracted lifeguards along with a full staff of beach attendants will work to improve the safety of Myrtle Beach’s shores. Lifeguards are now better positioned to respond to emergencies, a benefit highlighted by one lifeguard noting that their ability to address emergencies has improved since the separation of these roles. Previously, lifeguards had to juggle the responsibilities of overseeing both beachgoer safety and managing rental equipment, which sometimes hindered their effectiveness in emergency situations.
To formalize the transition of responsibilities, city leaders passed an amendment in 2023 to separate the duties of lifeguards and rental attendants. Operations Manager for Lack’s Beach Services indicated that the staffing and payroll have been doubled since implementing this crucial change, reflecting the city’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its beach visitors. Although there were initial concerns regarding staffing needs, improvements have been observed, particularly during peak summer months.
Beach attendants, easily recognizable by their bright neon shirts, are stationed behind lifeguard stands to assist with rental equipment management. Their role is now officially defined in separate franchise agreements established between the city and Lack’s Beach Services as well as John’s Beach Services. Under these agreements, beach attendants are entrusted with handling rental activities, thus allowing lifeguards to concentrate exclusively on ocean safety.
To become a lifeguard in Myrtle Beach, candidates must comply with specific requirements, including certifications in lifeguarding, CPR, and first aid, be at least 17 years old, and successfully pass a challenging 500-meter swimming test. Lifeguard stations operate daily from April 15 through September 30, with varying staffing levels based on peak and non-peak seasons, ranging from 10 to 34 lifeguards as required.
The franchise agreements last for seven years and necessitate an annual fee of $20,000 paid to the city, which can be reimbursed depending on the performance of the staff in meeting recruitment goals. The lifeguards and attendants are available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., providing consistent coverage for beachgoers throughout the summer season.
The decision to separate the duties of lifeguards and attendants was influenced, in part, by concerns raised during a civil lawsuit related to a drowning incident involving a lifeguard who was performing dual roles. Following this event, the city council has been actively discussing potential options for the future of lifeguard services. Current considerations include renewing the agreements with the franchise companies, transferring lifeguard services to the city, or possibly eliminating the lifeguard program altogether.
Should the city take over lifeguard services, it would require hiring full-time personnel, establishing a new command structure, as well as incurring expenses projected to exceed $1 million annually, excluding equipment and insurance costs. Recent discussions among the city council, alongside the Beach Advisory Committee, underline the ongoing commitment to community safety and the need for effective lifeguard services, especially in light of recent fatalities on the beaches.
As Myrtle Beach prepares for the summer season, the ongoing focus remains firmly on the safety of its beach visitors, ensuring that lifeguards can effectively monitor conditions while beach attendants manage rental operations independently.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Minnesota’s Bipartisan Budget Deal Addresses Budget Deficit
Myrtle Beach Police Arrest Four in Tourist Robberies
Demolition Plans for Coral Sands Motel in Myrtle Beach
Severe Thunderstorm Alert Issued for Myrtle Beach Area
Myrtle Beach Sees Arrests Following Armed Robberies
Seventeen Family Members of Sinaloa Cartel Leaders Cross into U.S.
Wildfires Prompt State of Emergency in South Carolina
North Carolina Couple Dies in I-95 Crash
Verizon Business Partners with South Carolina Army National Guard
South Carolina Lawmakers Propose Changes to Liquor Liability Laws
Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Myrtle Beach Keeps Lifeguards Focused on Beachgoers’ Safety
- Wikipedia: Lifeguard
- My Horry News: Myrtle Beach Finalizes Lifeguard Beach Rental Vendors
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ocean Safety
- The State: Opinion on Myrtle Beach Lifeguards
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Lifeguards
- WPDE: Horry County Council Approves Lifeguard Regulation
- Google Scholar: Lifeguard Safety Programs
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.
