World’s Largest Rubber Duck Makes a Splash in Myrtle Beach to Promote Water Safety May 8–11

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (May 05, 2025)—The world’s most iconic and whimsical advocate for water safety — the six-story-tall World’s Largest Rubber Duck — will be floating into Myrtle Beach May 8–11, 2025, as part of National Water Safety Month.  

Presented by the YMCA of Coastal Carolina in partnership with the City of Myrtle Beach and Visit Myrtle Beach, and sponsored by Black’s Tire & Auto Service, this free public event offers engaging opportunities for families to learn about water safety in a fun, unforgettable way.

Affectionally known as Mama Duck, the inflatable will be open for public viewing at Burroughs and Chapin Pavilion at 812 N. Ocean Blvd. in Myrtle Beach May 8–10 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. During these times, representatives from the YMCA of Coastal Carolina will be on hand to share water safety information.

A special Splash Safe Day will be held Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring water safety demonstrations by the YMCA of Coastal Carolina, interactive exhibits for families and a discount pass to area businesses.

All events are free and open to the public. Paid parking is available nearby along the street at metered spaces and within the parking deck at 9th Ave. North and Kings Hwy. No parking is allowed on site. The west bound lane of 8th Ave. North will be closed from Ocean Blvd. to Kings Hwy.

The event is part of a broader water safety initiative by the YMCA, the City of Myrtle Beach and Visit Myrtle Beach, providing residents and visitors with videos and resources to have a safe summer in the water. More information can be found at VisitMyrtleBeach.com/SplashSafe.

Additionally, both the YMCA and the City of Myrtle Beach are providing swim lessons this summer. The YMCA of Coastal Carolina Splash Safe Campaign will teach 1,000 local children to swim through free lessons this summer while the City of Myrtle Beach is offering swimming lessons at its two pools this June and July.

“​As summer approaches, it’s imperative to emphasize the importance of water safety for our community. The arrival of Mama Duck serves as a vibrant and engaging symbol, reminding families of the joys of water activities while underscoring the necessity of safety measures. Through initiatives like this event as well as Splash Safe videos and swimming lessons, we’re committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn essential swimming skills, fostering confidence and preventing tragedies,” said Hatton Gravely, ​Chief Development Officer at the YMCA of Coastal Carolina.

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Press Conference & Media Availability – May 8, 2025, 10:30 a.m.

Members of the media are invited to attend a special press conference scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 8, at the Mama Duck installation site in Burroughs & Chapin Pavilion Park (812 N Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach). Speakers will include Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, City of Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune, take place between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. Daily duck inflation provides a fun visual opportunity for photo and video coverage, taking place each morning from 9 and 10 a.m. from May 9-11. Media resources can be found HERE.

For more information and interview requests, contact:

Hatton Gravely, YMCA of Coastal Carolina – (843) 839-3983, [email protected]

David Byrd, YMCA of Coastal Carolina – (843) 839-3983, [email protected]

Meredith Denari, City of Myrtle Beach – (843) 918-1054, [email protected]

Marlane White, Visit Myrtle Beach – (843) 916-7295, [email protected]