Horry County Council to Decide on Wind-Driven Beach Shades

News Summary

Horry County is set for an important vote on March 4, 2025, regarding wind-driven beach shades, like the Shibumi Shade, which could enhance safety for beachgoers. Currently, these shades are banned during peak tourist season due to safety concerns about visibility for lifeguards. The proposal includes a one-year trial period but faces opposition from local law enforcement. As summer approaches, all eyes will be on the council’s decision and its potential impact on beach safety and enjoyment.

Horry County Set to Vote on Wind-Driven Beach Shades!

It’s a sunny day in Horry County, where the local council is gearing up for an important decision that could shake things up on the beach! Next month, the Horry County Council will be voting on a proposal to change the rules about wind-driven shading devices, like the popular Shibumi Shade, on the county’s stunning 14-mile stretch of beach.

A New Look for Beach Comfort?

Wind-driven shades have been a no-go in Horry County, particularly during the bustling summer months. Many beachgoers have been longing for a safer alternative to traditional umbrellas, which can transform into dangerous projectiles in high winds. Proponents of these shades argue that they are a much safer option, designed to stay put even when the wind picks up — no more flying umbrellas, thank you very much!

However, not everyone is on board with this new trend. Kevin Larke, the beach patrol supervisor for Myrtle Beach, has raised significant concerns regarding safety on the sandy shores. One of his main worries? These shades block the view of lifeguards, making it harder for them to spot swimmers who may be in distress. Larke showcased a picture of a Shibumi Shade that obscured the view of an entire pickup truck, highlighting the potential danger that comes with obstructing lifeguards’ line of sight.

Beach Safety on Everyone’s Mind

At the moment, Myrtle Beach allows these wind-driven shades only outside the peak tourist season. This raises some questions about the efficiency of beach safety during the summer months when thousands flock to the coast. Councilman Gary Loftus has been pondering whether these new shades might actually pose more risks than the old-fashioned umbrellas, which have not resulted in any reported injuries since Larke’s watch began back in 2020.

While the Grand Strand has seen some lawsuits related to umbrella accidents, including a tragic incident in 2022, Larke mentioned that traditional umbrellas have maintained a solid safety record. Still, fans of Shibumi Shades insist that their products have been a hit on many beaches where they are allowed, claiming they even improve overall safety at the beach.

Trial Run for a New Era?

The proposed ordinance change would apply to areas of Horry County that aren’t incorporated into local towns, paving the way for some potential confusion regarding which regulations apply at the beach. The idea is to roll out a one-year trial period for the wind-driven shades, with the option to reinstate the ban if any safety concerns arise. The county attorney mentioned that they would work on specific evaluation criteria to assess safety if the trial gets the green light.

However, this trial run might not come without its challenges. There is a clear concern that enforcing different rules in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach could create significant confusion for beachgoers and law enforcement alike.

Most importantly, local law enforcement from Myrtle Beach has made their stance clear, voicing opposition to the wind-driven shades over public safety worries that arise during the peak beach season.

The Countdown to the Vote

As the discussions heat up, the official vote on this ordinance is slated for March 4, 2025. Until then, beach lovers, lifeguards, and local business owners will be watching closely to see if this change will redefine how we chill out at the beach!

With summer just around the corner, we can only hope that whatever decision is made prioritizes both safety and fun under the sun! So grab your beach towel and stay tuned to see how it all unfolds.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Myrtle Beach Considers Lifting Shibumi Shade Ban for Summer
Myrtle Beach Upholds Wind-Driven Shade Ban for Summer Season
Myrtle Beach Upholds Beach Umbrella-Only Policy Amid Calls for Change
Myrtle Beach Maintains Summer Umbrella Regulations Amid Calls for Updated Shading Guidelines
Myrtle Beach Faces Shade Dilemma as Popular Beach Shades Spark Safety Concerns
Myrtle Beach Discusses Potential Update to Beach Shade Rules Amid Safety Concerns
Changes to Myrtle Beach Canopy Laws Under Discussion as Officials Consider New Shade Regulations

Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Myrtle Beach Police on Shibumi Shade
• Wikipedia: Beach Umbrella
• WMBF News: Horry County Council on Shibumi Shades
• Google Search: Shibumi Shade Beach
• WRAL: Myrtle Beach’s Shibumi Shade Ban
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Beach
• The Assembly NC: Shibumi Shade Takes Over
• Google News: Shibumi Shade
• WBTW: Myrtle Beach Advisory Group on Shibumi Shade Ban
• Google Scholar: Shibumi Shade Beach Safety