Is it safe to swim in the ocean in Myrtle Beach?

Water quality for beaches throughout the entire Myrtle Beach area is very good. Water quality testing occurs twice a week during the summer and results are posted on SCDHEC's Beach Access Guide. Rainstorms create runoff and can temporarily increase the bacteria count in the water.



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As indicated, a double red flag means the water is closed to the public; no swimming is allowed. A single red flag indicates hazardous conditions, such as strong waves or currents. Medium hazards are indicated by a yellow flag, while a green flag shows that conditions are generally good.

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Black means the conditions of the sea are extremely dangerous-do not swim or enter the water. If you'd like to avoid the possibility of an incident occurring, please, do not swim. If you're ever unsure of the condition of a beach, go to the lifeguard stand and ask. The sea and the weather are unpredictable.

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Can you walk on the beach at night in Myrtle Beach? Yes, you can walk on the beach at night in Myrtle Beach, however, there is a curfew in effect from midnight to 6am for juveniles under age 18.

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Blue Atlantic waters are seen at Myrtle Beach State Park on July 13, 2023. Unseasonably calm waters have allowed sediment to settle, leaving behind a crystal clear ocean along the South Carolina coast.

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Though shark attacks near Myrtle Beach are rare, a few non-fatal incidents have occurred in the 21st century. One incident reportedly occurred in June 2021 at the Pirate Family Campground area of Myrtle Beach. A teenage boy received nonfatal wounds from a shark.

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These flags will fly from lifeguard stands to alert of any potential dangers. As indicated, a double red flag means the water is closed to the public; no swimming is allowed. A single red flag indicates hazardous conditions, such as strong waves or currents.

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Surfside Beach Swimming and Sun Bathing Rules Swimmers must remain within 50 yards of shore in water no deeper than chest deep. Lifeguard instructions must be obeyed by all beachgoers. Surfing is prohibited within 300 feet of the pier.

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10 Myrtle Beach For those looking for something calmer, they should head to North Myrtle Beach, where they can swim in the clear water, enjoy parasailing and kayaking, or pull up a sun lounger and relax.

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*Horry County lifeguards protect the north section of Myrtle Beach State Park from mid May through mid September. *Know how to swim. *Never swim alone. *Never swim at night.

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If you don't know what's in the water, stay away. Waters around Myrtle Beach can hold a variety of sea life including harmless cannonball jellyfish and venomous Portuguese man o' wars. Cannonball jellyfish are the most common in South Carolina and are white and round with a brown or purple band.

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So why is this famous beach community so affordable? Because the city has a dark side as well. The violent crime rate in Myrtle Beach is more than four times the national average, according to the most recent FBI data. That's brought home prices down.

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Sand Crabs are usually only out at night and they are ghostly white and can only be spotted with flashlights. They are quick little creatures as well. Once you spot them, they take off and scurry into their tunnels they have dug into the sand and will stay there until they think the coast is clear.

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