Keeping Our Coast Clean: Beach Monitoring Season is Underway in South Carolina

Each year, as families, tourists, and locals head to South Carolina’s beautiful beaches to soak up the sun and splash in the surf, environmental professionals are hard at work behind the scenes to ensure that our coastal waters remain safe for everyone.

From May 1 through October 30, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) conducts routine monitoring of water quality at 122 locations along our coastline, from Cherry Grove Beach near the North Carolina border all the way down to the southern end of Hilton Head Island.

This seasonal beach monitoring program is part of a statewide effort to detect elevated levels of Enterococci bacteria, which can indicate potential health risks in ocean water. These bacteria are naturally found in warm-blooded animals, including humans, but high concentrations can signal the presence of organisms that may cause illness, including gastrointestinal issues or skin infections.

If elevated levels are detected at any sampling location, our agency promptly issues a public advisory for that beach area. These short-term swimming advisories are posted both on-site and online through our Beach Monitoring website and the S.C. Beach Access Guide.

It’s important to note: a swimming advisory does not mean the beach is closed. Instead, it serves as a precaution to avoid swimming in that particular area of ocean water until conditions return to safe levels. In most cases, these advisories only last a day or two.

South Carolina also issues year-round, long-term advisories for beach zones that frequently experience high bacteria levels—often due to stormwater runoff from pipes or nearby creeks. Permanent signage at these locations informs beachgoers of the potential risks.

Monitoring and communication efforts are designed with public safety in mind. Beachgoers can still enjoy activities like wading, collecting shells, or fishing in advisory areas, but should avoid swallowing ocean water. People with open wounds or compromised immune systems are encouraged to stay out of the water until advisories are lifted.

In recent years, partnerships with local governments and tourism groups have led to the creation of CheckMyBeach.com, a helpful resource for real-time water quality updates and beach safety tips in Horry County. This initiative continues to grow, with the goal of serving all of South Carolina’s coastal communities.

Whether you're planning a day trip or a weeklong stay, staying informed is key to enjoying the beach safely. Before you go, check the latest water quality reports and know what to expect—because protecting your health and the environment is always in season.

For more information, visit des.sc.gov/beachmonitoring or CheckMyBeach.com.