Swimming in the ocean or one of South Carolina’s lakes and rivers is an excellent outdoor activity for the whole family. However, any outdoor activity has its own set of safety issues that we should all plan for and recognize.
- When coming to the beach you will want to bring sunscreen, a beach towel, beach shoes, and perhaps an umbrella.
- Some of the rivers and streams in South Carolina have swimming advisories, letting you know that swimming there may make you sick.
Before going in the water, you will want to know about:
- Weather forecasts,
- Help contacts,
- Water-quality advisories, and
- Tidal cycles.
Learn more about South Carolina waters and swim safety via the following resources:
- Ocean Swimming
- Beach Monitoring (Ocean Water Quality) Map
- Freshwater Swimming Areas
- Public Pools
- Contact: Luke Abel, Recreational Waters Program Coordinator, (803) 898-4255
Swin Advisories
Access a map of the locations where SCDES has issued a long-term swimming advisory for freshwater swimming areas. Select the blue icon for information about that location.
- Contact: Bryan Rabon, Manager of Aquatic Science Programs, (803) 898-4402