Summer sun and fun are here and, with that, comes sea breeze, white sand, and warm water at the beach or the pool. But, not to ruin your fun, there are some water safety rules to keep in mind when you and your family hit the ocean, pool, or water park. A little preparation and awareness can go a long way in preventing accidents and making your vacation truly enjoyable.
We want you to enjoy your time here in Myrtle Beach, but we also want the best for your well-being during your stay, so here are some safety tips we have gathered for you to make sure that happens:
Use sun protection
It’s imperative to apply sunscreen (and to reapply after you’ve dipped in the water) to protect your skin from the dangerous UV rays. Sunburns are painful and can ruin a vacation. Additional sun protection to pack are UV-protected sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and beach umbrella for shade. Read THIS BLOG for more info on Myrtle Beach’s umbrella rules.
Hydrate!
Not drinking enough water on a hot, sunny day can lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion. Plan to drink at least two cups of water an hour – especially if you are also drinking alcohol.
Keep an eye out for warning flags
Most beach accesses have signs posted that explain what each beach warning flag signifies flying at the beach, such as purple warning swimmers of dangerous marine life, like jellyfish, and yellow for a medium hazard, which means to be cautious for things like rip currents. If you venture into the water when either of these flags are flying, be aware of your surroundings. Jellyfish have clear bodies with tentacles hanging below that can sting; if you see one, avoid it, get out of the water, and alert others. Stings can be treated with vinegar or rubbing alcohol. If you are caught in a rip current, remain calm and swim parallel to the shoreline until you feel the current relax and then swim diagonally back to shore.
Do not swim near fishing piers
Swimming and surfing is prohibited within 75 yards of piers in the City of Myrtle Beach. For your own safety, it’s not something you want to do. Pier fishing attracts aquatic animals, like sharks, so it’s best to keep your distance.
Watch weather and surf reports
Make sure you take a look at your weather app of choice before you head to the beach. Afternoon storms in our area can pop up quickly, so pay attention to dark clouds forming and check your app often. Lightning and water do not mix, so if you hear thunder, lightning is not far behind, and you need to get out of the water and take cover until the storm passes.
Always watch your children in the water
Whether your kiddos are in the pool, at the water park, or in the ocean, keep a close eye on them and not on your phone. It only takes seconds for struggle in the water, so never leave them unattended. Even confident swimmers in the ocean need to be watched in case the currents, winds, or weather change.
Feet first!
Most resort pools are too shallow to dive in, so be sure to jump in feet first to avoid head or neck injuries. Notice signs at the pool indicating the depth. Also, while we’re talking about feet, advise your kiddos not to run on the pool deck, which can get quite slippery and cause falls. Last, be sure to wear flip flops or sandals from the resort or beach access to the ocean … our summer sand gets fire-hot and could cause burns.
Be Aware of sea turtle habitats
Sea turtles, including loggerheads, nest on our shoreline from May to October. To help keep them safe, so the baby turtles can crawl from the nests to the ocean, fill in any holes you’ve dug in the sand before leaving the beach, do not disturb a nest if you see one and, at night, when hatching usually happens, turn off outdoor lights and avoid flash photography or flash lights.
Know the firework rules
Be aware that fires and fireworks on the beach are not permitted with the City of Myrtle Beach (and other areas), with the exception of private properties from 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Instead, check out our summer schedulefirework shows you can catch at various attractions throughout the area.
Educate yourself
Finally, if you really want to bolster your safety net, it may be a good idea to enroll in classes before your Myrtle Beach vacation, such as swimming lessons for your children to know the basics and CPR for the entire family for emergency situations.
By keeping these safety tips in mind, you can ensure that your time in Myrtle Beach is filled with fun, relaxation, and peace of mind. Whether you're soaking up the sun, splashing in the waves, or enjoying a leisurely swim, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. So, pack your sunscreen, stay hydrated, and be mindful of the beach rules. We look forward to seeing you enjoy all the beautiful experiences Myrtle Beach has to offer!
