Beach Unit

The City of Myrtle Beach is in the heart of the Grand Strands 60-mile stretch of natural beauty on South Carolina’s northeastern coast. Our Beach Patrol Unit provides coverage for the approximately 10 miles of coastline. In order to provide this coverage, officers can be seen patrolling the beach on foot, in four-wheel drive trucks and ATVs. These types of vehicles allow for better emergency response, easy access, and increased interaction with the public. The Beach Patrol unit also maintains a small fleet of modified watercraft to meet the needs of the unit for both day and night operations. These vessels include rescue boards, jet skis and jet-propelled ridged haul inflatable boats (RIBS) capable of being surf launched to provide for a fast long-range rescue operations.

The Beach Patrol Unit is a specialized unit. Officers assigned to Beach Patrol hold certifications in CPR, First Aid, Red Cross Lifeguard certifications, and various ratings in boat operations. The Beach Patrol Unit works with Fire Department’s Ocean Rescue Division and lifeguards to provide a safe environment for our residents and our visitors. The Beach Patrol Unit is responsible for enforcing Federal and State wildlife laws along with City Ordinances. They are also responsible for the conservation and protection of the Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Beach Patrol Officers often deal with Ocean wildlife encounters such as Sea Turtles, Whales, Dolphins, Jellyfish, Man o’war and even Sharks just to name a few.

Follow this link for more information about beach laws and boating regulations.