Myrtle Beach Police Report Busy Summer with Over 1,300 Calls, Tents and Safety Remain Key Issues

Myrtle Beach Police Respond to Busy Summer Season

Myrtle Beach, S.C. had quite a bustling summer! Recently, the city’s beach advisory committee gathered to discuss just how busy the Myrtle Beach Police Department was during the peak tourist season. Can you believe it? They responded to more than 1,300 calls! That’s a lot of activity on our beautiful sands!

Tent Troubles and More

One of the big topics on the table was the issue of beach tents. It seems like not everyone was keeping up with the city’s regulations on setting up camp. According to Beach Patrol Supervisor Kevin Larke, they had to step in a whopping 297 times to ask folks to take down their tents. That’s almost 300 instances where police had to remind beachgoers of the rules!

But it doesn’t stop there. Officers had to dive into action—literally! They jumped into the ocean 24 times to lend a hand and even assisted people in two swimming pools. Talk about being a lifesaver! And while it might sound a little concerning, the police also received 46 narcotics calls and made 11 arrests related to drugs.

Fireworks and Fun

When it comes to fireworks, it seems we might be settling down a bit. Officers responded to more than 150 fireworks calls, but that number was actually fewer than the year before. It’s great to see some folks reigning in their celebrations!

As for public intoxication, the officers were busy with 32 arrests, and they received 60 calls about disorderly disturbances. Out of those, 25 ended with arrests. It might be time for a reminder about keeping the party under control on our sunny shores!

Keeping the Coast Safe

Interestingly, there were also 73 reports of suspicious activity. It seems like everyone is keeping an eye out, ensuring that our beaches remain safe and enjoyable for every visitor. It’s that Myrtle Beach spirit that makes this community so special.

On a promising note, there was also some news about lifeguarding services for the future! The committee discussed the renewal of the city’s franchise agreement regarding lifeguarding duties. After a decision made by the Myrtle Beach City Council last year to separate lifeguard services from beach rental, there’s movement on that front! They recently had a first reading, and the second reading is set for Tuesday. Fingers crossed for more effective beach safety in the coming seasons!

Wrapping It Up

All in all, it seems that while Myrtle Beach enjoyed a busy summer with plenty of fun, safety remains a priority as the community continues to look out for one another. So, whether it’s getting those beach tents put away or keeping a friendly eye on the beach happenings, making sure we honor our beautiful coastal environment is essential.

Let’s keep enjoying those summer vibes and remember to follow the rules! Here’s to hoping for even more sunny days ahead without too much commotion. Myrtle Beach has so much to offer, so let’s make sure it stays a safe and enjoyable place for all!