News Summary
Myrtle Beach has implemented strict beachwear ordinances, including a ban on thong bathing suits, to ensure a safe and family-friendly environment along its coastline. Offenders may face significant fines, although enforcement typically relies on officer discretion. The move follows past incidents that have spurred community discussions about appropriate beach attire. This regulation underscores the local government’s commitment to maintaining a wholesome atmosphere at this popular tourist destination.
Myrtle Beach’s Strict Beachwear Laws Reinforce Family-Friendly Image Amid Controversy
Myrtle Beach has recently enforced stringent beachwear ordinances, particularly banning thong bathing suits to maintain a safe and family-friendly environment along its 10 miles of beachfront. Offenders caught violating this regulation can face a steep fine of $464.
Since May 2024, the Myrtle Beach Police Department has actively enforced the ordinance against beach nudity, recording eight incidents, none of which involved thong swimwear. Instances noted included nude adults partaking in sexual activities and a woman who exposed her upper body after consuming excessive alcohol. Generally, law enforcement adopts a “voluntary compliance” approach, where offenders may be asked to leave the area or cover up instead of being fined outright.
Enforcement decisions are largely determined by officer discretion, based on the severity of the situation and community calls for service. This has led to perceptions that enforcement of beachwear ordinances is inconsistent when compared to nearby North Myrtle Beach and Horry County, which also prohibit buttocks exposure. In fact, a similar law in Sunset Beach, North Carolina, was recently amended to remove the word “buttocks” following community complaints regarding awkward enforcement scenarios.
The strict regulation in Myrtle Beach follows a notable incident from 2020, where a dancer named Sam Panda garnered national attention after being detained for wearing a thong. The incident sparked significant community discourse, ultimately resulting in the passing of a city ordinance in November 2021 that led to the definitive ban on thong swimwear.
Interestingly, North Carolina state legislation does not explicitly prohibit thong swimsuits. It defines indecent exposure strictly in relation to private body parts without mentioning buttocks, making Myrtle Beach’s regulations unique in the region.
In addition to beachwear regulations, Myrtle Beach enforces other rules to ensure the safety and comfort of beachgoers. Swimming is restricted to within 75 yards of a pier, and deeper water swimming beyond chest level is prohibited. The beach also forbids the use of glass containers, alcohol consumption, and requires pets to be on a leash of no more than seven feet. Pet owners are mandated to clean up after their animals, and specific seasonal regulations govern dog access to the beach, limiting their presence during peak hours.
Violations of these ordinances are classified as misdemeanors, carrying penalties of fines up to $500 or a potential jail sentence of up to 30 days upon conviction. This framework of laws reflects the local government’s commitment to uphold a wholesome and family-oriented atmosphere at one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Carolina.
The enforcement and existence of these strict beachwear laws and related ordinances have sparked ongoing debates within the community, balancing individual freedoms with the collective desire for a family-friendly beach environment. As Myrtle Beach continues to cater to tourists and families, maintaining this image remains a priority for local authorities.
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Wikipedia: Beachwear
- The State
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach beachwear laws
- ABC News 4
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach thong laws
- Fox News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- Post and Courier
- Google News: Myrtle Beach swimming 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.
