Beach Information

Welcome to the Myrtle Beach area! Whether it's your first visit or one of many, we want your time along the Grand Strand to be memorable. Our beach information includes tips for safe swimming, sun protection, and lifeguards. Here you'll also find links to other valuable vacation information including tips for vacation, tide charts and beach wheelchairs, just to name a few.

Enjoy your stay with us here along the Grand Strand. We hope you'll find this information both informative and helpful. We look forward to your visiting us year after year.

Tips for Safe Swimming

Through the Swim Safe program, local communities offer 10 safety tips for ocean swimmers:

• View live beach webcam of the 2nd Avenue Pier
• Rip Tide Public Service Announcement (video by Beach TV)
• Swim in areas with a lifeguard
• Swim with a buddy
• Swim sober
• Don't fight the current (signal for help!)
• Don't float where you can't swim
• Watch small children closely
• Don't dive into the surf (protect your neck!)
• Leash your boogie board or surfboard
• Ask a lifeguard about ocean water conditions
• Look for, read, and obey all beach safety flags (yellow, lifeguard on duty; blue, aquatic danger; red, no swimming allowed)

Sun Protection

Don't let a sunburn spoil your vacation.

• Use sunscreen with a high SPF, and apply 30 minutes before exposure to the sun, then reapply after swimming, physical activity, or prolonged time in the sun.
• Wear a hat and swimsuit cover-up (or T-shirt) for added protection.
• Avoid the midday sun.
• Don't fall asleep while sunbathing.
• Beware of cloudy days, because burning rays penetrate clouds.
• Severe sunburns should be treated by a physician and may require special medication to reduce pain and swelling (if in doubt, consult a physician or hospital emergency department).

Lifeguards

Lifeguards are on duty along many Grand Strand beaches during the summer months. Inexperienced swimmers or families with children should make sure the beach area they visit is staffed by a lifeguard. Other pointers: don't swim alone; if you encounter a riptide (a strong current that can pull you away from shore), yell for help, and begin swimming parallel to the beach until you are free from the current's pull.

Jellyfish Stings

Most vacationers never experience a jellyfish sting, but if you or someone in your group is stung, follow these instructions: *immediately scoop up some sand and rub it on the sting underwater to wash away any remaining nettles; then apply plain meat tenderizer, vinegar, or alcohol to neutralize most of the toxins; finally, wash the area with soap and fresh water. If the sting is severe, consult a physician or hospital emergency department. If there is an allergic reaction, call 911 immediately.

Vacation tips to help you have a happier and safer vacation. Includes coupon, currency, traveling information, and more.

Beach-Going Wheelchairs are available for use in numerous locations free of charge.

Seashells & Fossils Find out which shells you can expect to find, and the best time to search for them.

Parking & Parking Meters Parking on the beach is in high demand during season, find out what you need to know.

Safety Tips and Laws, including beach safety tips and local beach laws and ordinances.

Tides and Conditions High & low tides for the area.

Click here for more about the Myrtle Beach Travel Guide.