Myrtle Beach Maintains Summer Umbrella Regulations Amid Calls for Updated Shading Guidelines

Myrtle Beach Sticks to Its Summer Beach Umbrella Rules Despite Calls for Change

Hey there, beach lovers! If you were hoping to see a shift in the rules about beach shading devices in Myrtle Beach, you might be in for a letdown. After a lengthy chat during the recent City Council Workshop, it looks like the current regulations will stick around for the time being.

The Rule Book

Since 2014, Myrtle Beach has had a rule that only allows beach umbrellas to provide shade during the sunny and bustling summer months, specifically from Memorial Day to Labor Day. This means that popular items like tents and those cool Shibumi Shades? Well, they’re just not welcome during that time. However, as the beach season kicks off earlier and wraps up later, you can use those other shaded options before Memorial Day and after Labor Day.

The Push for Change

Some folks, including companies that produce wind-driven shading devices, have been pushing for a change to this ordinance for ages. Representatives from these companies argue that Myrtle Beach is the only major beach along the coast stretching from Maryland all the way down to Mexico that still has these outdated restrictions. During the recent workshop, there was a request for the city council to consider a trial period in the summer of 2025, allowing those wind-driven devices.

Safety or Confusion?

However, not everyone is on board with the idea. A few of our city leaders and members of the Myrtle Beach Advisory Committee expressed concerns linked to public safety, the ongoing increase in tourists, and the potential difficulties of enforcement. They argue that permitting these devices at such a busy time might lead to confusion among beachgoers, and that could lead to safety issues.

Local resident Linda Mockbee shared her thoughts during public comments. She feels that those wind-driven options might actually be safer than traditional beach umbrellas. “I’ve been on the beach all the time and I’ve seen people buy these expensive umbrellas at beach supply stores,” she noted, adding that windy conditions often make those umbrellas fly away or become hazards as they blow down the shore.

A Word from Ocean Rescue

Adding to the conversation, Battalion Chief Brian Mitchell from the Myrtle Beach Fire Department’s Ocean Rescue team pointed out that allowing a trial period could cause more problems than it solves. “We’ve been educating people since 2014 on this ordinance. A possible trial period could cause confusion moving forward and whatever decision might be after said trial period,” he explained. Not only that, but he raised the concern that local law enforcement and ocean rescue personnel might find themselves rapidly switching from beach patrols to enforcing what devices are allowed – which is not ideal in such a busy area.

The Vote is In

During the workshop, it was clear there were differing opinions among the council members. While no official votes were made, a consensus did form. Councilmembers Gregg Smith, Mike Chestnut, and Mike Lowder voiced support for keeping the ordinance as it stands, while councilmembers like Debbie Conner, Jackie Hatley, and Bill McClure felt more research was necessary.

Time to Wrap Up

So, it looks like the discussion regarding those wind-driven shading devices has reached a standstill for now. Whether you’re a fan of the current rules or hoping for change, make sure to stay tuned for updates! Whatever happens, Myrtle Beach remains a sunny spot for summer fun, and we all know that the beach is waiting for us.