Before enjoying a day in the sand, we recommend beachgoers make themselves aware of certain information and conditions, including:

• whether lifeguards are on duty
• rip current safety
• weather forecasts and tidal cycles
• local beach ordinances and rules
• any nearby long-term or short-term swimming advisories

CheckMyBeach.com is an excellent source of information for beaches along the Grand Strand. SCDES’s Beach Monitoring webpage is another important tool for checking long-term and short-term swim advisories.  

SCDES monitors ocean water at 122 collection points along the coast during the busy summer months, and if certain bacteria levels are too high, the agency issues a short- or long-term swim advisory to help protect people from potential health impacts. A swimming advisory doesn’t mean a beach is closed — if a swimming advisory is in place, you should avoid swimming in the water at the collection point until the advisory is lifted.

Other ways to safe and healthy at the beach:

• Be aware of advisories and avoid swimming in those areas. Wading, fishing and shell collecting don't present a risk since most exposures to pathogens occur by swallowing water. However, don't enter the water with open sores or lesions, high levels of bacteria may cause infection.
   
• Don't swim or allow children to play in swashes or near stormwater pipes. Although the shallow pools of water on the beach caused by swashes and stormwater seem like good places for children to play, these shallow pools are caused by runoff from paved surfaces and often contain much higher levels of bacteria than the ocean.
   
• Don't swim in the ocean or in the river during or immediately following rainfall. To further reduce risk of illness, wait at least 48 hours after a heavy rain to resume swimming. Heavy rain can wash bacteria and possibly harmful pathogens into the surf. High bacteria densities persist in the surf for hours after these rains and may increase swimmer's risk of illness. 

Just like the ocean, South Carolina lakes and rivers are great places to cool off but there is always the risk for coming into contact with bacteria, viruses, algae or other organisms that could make you sick. Harmful algal blooms are an example.

Harmful algal blooms are naturally-occurring in lakes, ponds, and rivers and they are comprised of tiny plant-like organisms. Certain species can produce toxins that can make people and animals sick. When an algal bloom contains toxins or is comprised of a species that has the potential to produce toxins that are known to affect the health of people, animals, and the environment, they are known as harmful algal blooms (HABs). 

If SCDES identifies a HAB, the agency issues a Recreational Water Watch with specific recommendations for protecting people’s health. Learn more on our HABs webpage. Additionally, information provided by local riverkeepers and initiatives such as HowsMySCRiver provide helpful information on water quality and more.

There are some organisms in natural waters like lakes and rivers that are more hazardous if exposure occurs in a specific way. Click on the "Potential Health Risks in Natural Waterbodies" tab to learn more.

Swimming safety is critical to enjoying our state’s beaches, lakes and rivers while making sure you, your friends, and your family stay safe and healthy. It’s always recommended to:

• Be aware of swimming advisory signs.  
• Do not go swimming or rafting during a storm or right after it rains.  
• Avoid swallowing river, stream, lake, or ocean water.  
• Never swim alone. Always bring somebody with you.  
• Avoid swimming in still, warm or muddy water.  
• Never dive into shallow water or where you cannot see the bottom.  
• Never use alcohol or drugs while swimming or boating.  
• Never swim with deep cuts or wounds.  
• Hold your nose if jumping or diving into natural water 

The health effects from exposure to bacteria, viruses and other organisms found in natural waters vary greatly depending on the type of organism, the amount of it, and the route of exposure. 

Gastroenteritis (upset stomach) is the most common illness associated with swimming in and ingesting contaminated water. It occurs in a variety of forms that can have one or more of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, stomachache, diarrhea, headache and fever.  

Other minor illnesses that can result from swimming in contaminated water include ear, eye, skin, nose, and throat infections. Small children and individuals with weakened immune systems are most at risk of illness.

On the other end of the spectrum, health hazards include Naegleria fowleri, known as the "brain-eating amoeba".  Although Naegleria fowleri is commonly found in warm freshwater, infection is very rare as it must be injected into the nose deep enough to reach the brain.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, South Carolina has reported three cases from 2010 through July 2022.

While infections with Naegleria fowleri are very rare, they are often fatal. They occur mainly during the summer months of July, August, and September. 

The CDC advises that recreational water users should assume that Naegleria fowleri is present in warm freshwater across the United States and be aware that there is always a low-level risk of infection. Wearing a nose clip or taking other precautions not to inhale water or have water forced up your nose during fresh water recreational activities (white water rafting, water skiing, tubing, etc.) greatly reduces the risk of infection. 

SCDES also has a critical role in helping keep people safe at public swimming pools. Our pool inspectors perform routine inspections of public swimming pools, spas, waterparks, splash pads and more to help ensure they’re being operated in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations that keep people safe.  

Visit our Recreational Waters webpage to learn more about our public pool inspectors.  

• US Army Corps of Engineers National Water Safety Program
• American Red Cross Health & Safety Tips
• Centers for Disease Control Healthy Swimming