New beach rule could divide up beach-goers

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) Myrtle Beach City Council members are discussing a new rule for the beach.

When people hit the sand, everyone has their own way to block out the sun. Most beachgoers choose between an umbrella or a canopy, but based on what you bring, you could have to move to the back of the beach.

Right now beaches along the Grand Strand have their own set of beach rules- Horry County, Surfside Beach, and North Myrtle Beach.

As more people clog the beaches with their own way for shade, local officials are looking to direct where you set up in the sand. The ordinance Myrtle Beach City Council members are discussing now would put everyone in line.

Officials are looking to push all tents and canopies further back on the beach -- at least 10 feet from the umbrella line. So if you come with a large tent, you have to be behind everyone else.

Beach officials say this rule has helped in other places along the Grand Strand.

"So what that's done is created order in the placement of the canopies," said George Lack, with Lack Beach Service. "So that the lifeguards can better control the crowd on the beach and generally anytime you have order in that way, you have continued public safety."

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