For our guests at Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort, here is an updated list of summer beach laws established by the City of Myrtle Beach:
* Beach Tents: The booming popularity of beach tents has forced the City of Myrtle Beach to set some standards for shading devices in order to create a fun and safe environment on the beach. The tents were blocking lifeguards’ sight lines and impeding the ability of emergency vehicles to patrol the beach, so new rules were established to deal with where, when and what beachgoers can use to make shade. Per the new regulations, between Memorial Day (May 29) and Labor Day (Sept. 4), only umbrellas are allowed on the beach. They must be set up along or behind the high-tide mark, and can be no larger than 7 1/2 feet in diameter. Further, shading devices may not be left on the beach overnight.
* Bicycles: Taking a bike ride on the beach is good fun, but it can also be a hazard to beachgoers on foot. That’s why pedal-powered travel is prohibited on the beach between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., from May 1 through Sept. 4. Fortunately for cyclists who like to enjoy the ocean breeze and view, the City of Myrtle Beach has opened bike lanes and paths along Ocean Boulevard, where you can get the same experience without trying to pedal through the deep sand.
* Dogs: Fur babies are prohibited on the beach between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. from May 1 to Sept. 4. The City of Myrtle Beach requires owners to keep their dogs on a leash of no more than 7 feet at all times, and owners must clean up after their pets. “Doggie bags” and trash cans are available at every beach access.
* Illegal Items: There are certain items and activities that are unlawful on the beach year-round, including alcoholic beverages, campfires, glass containers, fireworks, and the destruction of sea oats and sand dunes. Littering is treated even more seriously on the sand and sea to protect our beautiful beaches and wildlife, so be sure to carry a trash bag with you to keep your garbage from blowing away.
* Surf Zones: Encounters between surfers and swimmers can be a dangerous situation, so the City of Myrtle Beach has set up specific areas for surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding and other board-related water sports during the busiest times of day (from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). The closest surf zone to Compass Cove is a few blocks south of the resort from 29th Avenue South to the southernmost city limits. Other surf zones are located between 34th and 47th Avenues North; between 62nd and 68th Avenues North; between 78th and 81st Avenues North; and from 87th Avenue North to the northernmost city limits.
* Watercraft: The City of Myrtle Beach has specific restrictions on the use of devices like jet-skis, sailboats, sailboards and kite-surfing boards from May 1 to Sept. 4. Such watercraft are not permitted within 100 yards of the coast, but nearby outfitters like Downwind Sails rent the gear and have marked zones for those water sports.
We almost forgot the No. 1 rule at Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort – enjoy your stay. We look forward to hosting a safe, fun and healthy vacation for your entire family this summer in Myrtle Beach.
