Beach Rules

As a barrier island, the Town of Seabrook Island boasts more than 3.5 miles of pristine, sandy beaches. Popular with residents and visitors alike, our beaches are of critical importance to local wildlife. Portions of the beach have been designated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover and loggerhead sea turtle.

In order to protect public safety and preserve the beach's natural beauty, the Town Council has adopted a comprehensive list of beach rules. These rules are summarized below.

​Your continued observance of the town's beach rules will ensure that the beaches of Seabrook Island remain safe, secure and pristine for all residents, visitors, pets and wildlife to enjoy!

General Beach Rules & Restrictions

The town’s Beachfront Management Ordinance prohibits the following activities on all beaches within the town: 

• Walking on any portion of the primary frontal sand dune (other than designated SIPOA or private access points);
• Driving or operating any motor vehicle on the beach, except as authorized by the town;
• Harming, harassing or disturbing any loggerhead turtle or endangered/threatened bird species, including their eggs and nests; 
• Swimming in Captain Sams Inlet during the period two hours before to two hours after low tide, or any time when dolphins are present in the inlet (NEW);
• Failing to restrain a pet when and where required by ordinance (see below for leash requirements);
• Failing to pick up and dispose animal waste;
• Leaving trash, debris or refuse on the beach;
• Negligent operation of any vessel or watercraft, including while under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
• Launching or retrieving a motorized vessel of any kind;
• Overnight storage of personal beach equipment and supplies;
• Building or maintaining a fire or open flame (unless approved by SIPOA above the high-water mark);
• Using any grill, cooker or heating device heated by fire;
• Igniting or discharging fireworks;
• Using any type of glass container;
• Engaging in commercial activities (including solicitation); and
• ​“Chumming” on or within 600 feet of the beach.

Leash Requirements for Pets

​PLEASE NOTE: ​The town's new "Beach Rules for Pets" ordinance went into effect on October 24, 2019.

Seabrook Island’s beaches are pet friendly! To ensure that all users can have a safe and pleasant beach experience, pet owners must observe the following requirements:

​​Restricted Area (Red):

• The restricted area begins at a line extending from Boardwalk #1 (Community Center Boardwalk) to the Atlantic Ocean and continues in a northeasterly direction to Captain Sams Inlet.

• Within the restricted area, no pets shall be allowed at any time, whether on or off a leash.​

Limited Restriction Area (Yellow):

• The limited restriction area begins approximately 300 yards northwest of a line extending from Boardwalk #9 (Pelican Watch Boardwalk) to the Edisto River and continues in a northwesterly direction to Privateer Creek.

• Within the limited restriction area, pets must be on a leash at all times.

​General Beach Area (Green): In all other areas of the beach, the following seasonal rules shall apply:

• Peak Season (April 1 – September 30): Pets must be on a leash between the hours of 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. At all other times, pets may be off a leash, provided they remain effectively controlled while on the beach; 

• Off-Peak Season (October 1 – March 31): Pets may be off a leash at all times, provided they remain effectively controlled while on the beach.

​When a pet is required to be on a leash, it must be restrained using a physical restraint made of cord, rope, strap, chain or other material effective for restraining the type and size of animal to which it is attached. In addition, the physical restraint must be no more than sixteen (16) feet in length, secured to the animal’s collar or harness, and continuously held by a competent person physically capable of restraining the animal. Animals under voice control, or under control of remotely operated devices (such as electronic collars), are considered to be “off leash.”​

​When an animal is allowed to be off-leash, it must be effectively controlled by a competent person from: (a) entering any area on or adjacent to the beach in which a pet is prohibited; (b) destroying or damaging any property; (c) attacking or threatening  to attack any person or any other animal or pet in any manner; or (d) being a nuisance to other beach goers.

Click image to enlarge

Enforcement

The beaches of Seabrook Island are actively patrolled by code enforcement officers employed by the town, as well as by designated personnel from the Seabrook Island Beach Patrol.

To report a possible violation:

Between April 1st & September 30th: 

• Seabrook Island Beach Patrol
• Call/Text: (843) 718-6083

All Other Times:

• Seabrook Island Town Hall 
• Call: (843) 768-9121
  
• Email: mwilliams@townofseabrookisland.org

Individuals who are found guilty of violating any ordinance of the town may be subject to fines up to $1,087.50 per offense (including court fees) upon conviction.

More Information

Beachfront Management Ordinance
​Beach Rules for Pets (Eff. 10/24/19)

Contact

Seabrook Island Beach Patrol
​Barrier Island Ocean Rescue
(843) 718-6083

Mike Williams
​Code Enforcement Officer
(843) 768-9121​
mwilliams@townofseabrookisland.org