Beach Umbrella Injuries Spark Legal Concerns at Grand Strand

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Colorful beach umbrellas set up on the sandy shores of the Grand Strand with people enjoying their day.

News Summary

Recent incidents of injuries caused by improperly secured beach umbrellas in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach have raised alarming safety concerns. Lawsuits are now being pursued, including wrongful death claims, as local authorities stress the importance of secure umbrella placements. Despite regulations, the risk of injuries from flying umbrellas continues to persist. Experts suggest better anchoring methods and community compliance to enhance safety on the beaches. Ongoing discussions aim to establish more rigorous safety standards to protect beachgoers this summer.

Beach Umbrella Injuries Prompt Lawsuits and Safety Concerns Along the Grand Strand

Ah, the beautiful sandy beaches of Grand Strand are a perfect escape during the hot summer months. Who doesn’t love a day by the ocean, soaking up the sun under the comforting shelter of a beach umbrella? While these colorful canopies are a staple for beachgoers, they are also shedding light on the growing concerns about safety.

Umbrella Safety Under Scrutiny

In recent times, beach umbrellas have gone from being merely a beach accessory to potential hazards. Sadly, the coastal regions of Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach have witnessed a surge in injuries related to beach umbrellas, raising alarms and prompting lawsuits. Two notable cases demonstrate the urgency of this matter.

One such case involves the tragic story of a woman whose family is now pursuing a wrongful death suit after she was accidentally impaled by an unanchored umbrella last year. In another incident, a woman sustained serious injuries from a loose umbrella, resulting in further legal action against the companies involved. These unfortunate events highlight the risks associated with improperly secured umbrellas.

How Are Umbrellas Regulated?

In response to these incidents, local laws have emerged. Both Myrtle Beach and Horry County have regulations that underscore the need for securing umbrellas firmly in place. Recommendations from experts suggest using weights, stakes, or fasteners to anchor umbrellas effectively and prevent them from becoming airborne when the wind picks up. Sounds simple, right? However, enforcement can be a different story.

While North Myrtle Beach doesn’t have specific regulations on how to secure umbrellas, it does regulate their size and placement during the bustling summer season. Only umbrellas with a diameter of less than 7.5 feet are allowed on the beach, and tents are banned outright. Public safety is paramount, especially as summer gets into full swing from Memorial Day to Labor Day. There are designated lines when placing these umbrellas, ensuring they don’t obstruct lifeguard visibility.

Community Safety Efforts

Despite the laws in place, concerns persist. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission points out that thousands of injuries occur every year due to wild umbrellas taking flight. In fact, emergency rooms reported an astonishing 2,800 umbrella-related injuries from 2010 to 2018! Though deaths from flying umbrellas are rare—only two recorded from 2013 to 2018—every incident contributes to the growing urgency for safety standards.

It is also noteworthy that lifeguards trained in beach safety are responsible for setting up umbrellas that the city rents. These are buried deeper into the sand than standard recommendations to withstand wind gusts better. On the other hand, individual beachgoers often neglect similar caution.

The Way Forward

Some creative solutions are being explored, such as the trial of smaller wind-driven shading devices like the Shibumi Shade for the upcoming summer season. Additionally, advocates are pressing for standardized safety recommendations for beach umbrellas and anchoring devices to ensure everyone can enjoy their beach time safely.

The conversations surrounding these regulations are ongoing, with local council meetings considering changes to ordinances. However, any adjustments would need to be approved and could involve recommendations from the Beach Advisory Committee. The goal is to strike a balance between uninterrupted beach enjoyment and ensuring a safe environment for everyone.