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Bikinis, booze & bikes: Myrtle Beach rules to know ahead of summer

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Some seasonal rules began on Monday within the Myrtle Beach city limits.

Memorial Day is coming up, as well, and more rules kick in that weekend.

Here are some rules and policies to abide by while visiting, according to ABC affiliate WPDE.

Dogs on the beach

From May 1 through Labor Day, dogs are allowed on the beach before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m.

From the day after Labor Day to April 30, dogs are allowed on the beach at any time of day.

However, regardless of the time of year, dogs must be on a leash seven feet or shorter at all times. Pet owners also must pick up and properly dispose of any waste.

Bikes and dogs on the boardwalk

Dogs and bicycles are allowed on the boardwalk from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. from May 1 through Labor Day.

From the day after Labor Day through April 30, dogs and bicycles are allowed on the boardwalk at any time.

Beach coverings

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, only circular umbrellas, up to seven-and-a-half feet in diameter, are allowed.

From the day after Labor Day until Memorial Day, tents and canopies up to 12-by-12 square feet are allowed.

Umbrellas must be in line with or behind the lifeguards’ line of umbrellas or landward of the mean high tide line. Tents and canopies, when allowed, must be 10 feet behind the established umbrella line. Infant shelters are allowed year-round, but cannot be any larger than four feet wide, three feet deep and three feet tall.

For more information on umbrella accessibility and rules, click here.

General rules

Some other restrictions, which exist year-round include:

  • Alcohol is not allowed on the beach.
  • Glass containers and bottles are not allowed on the beach.
  • Items may not be set up on the beach before 8 a.m. and must be removed from the beach by 7 p.m. daily.
  • “Thong” style bathing suits are not allowed on the beach or in public. G-strings, T-Backs, “dental floss” style, and thongs are prohibited in public.
  • It is illegal to disturb or damage the dunes, sand fencing or sea grass oats.
  • Aquatic activity (swimming, surfing, etc.) is not allowed within 75 yards of a pier.
  • Digging holes deeper than two feet is prohibited. All holes must be filled before leaving the beach. Metal shovels are not allowed for recreational digging.
  • All fires are prohibited on the beach, including barbecues and bonfires.

Violations of these ordinances are misdemeanors and are subject to a fine of up to $500 and/or 30 days in jail, upon conviction.


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