Do you know… the Town of Seabrook Island (TOSI) is responsible for the beach below the high tide line and Seabrook Island Property Owners Association (SIPOA) takes care of the beach above?
SIPOA and TOSI work together to ensure that we keep our beach pristine and safe. It is up to each of us to do our part to support their efforts. The following rules reflect the requirements set forth and supported by both SIPOA and TOSI.
- Stay off the sand dunes. No people or dogs may walk on sand dunes. Also, vegetation, such as sea oats, may not be removed from the sand dunes. The dunes are protected because that is where the loggerhead turtles lay their eggs and where endangered/threatened bird species make their nests. Do not harm, harass, or disturb any loggerhead turtle or bird species, including their eggs and nests.
- No littering. All trash, paper, bottles, cans, dog excrement, and other litter must be removed from the beach. If you see trash on the beach, please take a few minutes to pick it up. Trash is dangerous for wildlife and can pollute our waters. Balloons on strings and plastic bags are especially dangerous for the turtles. There are trash receptacles at the end of each boardwalk and several places on the beach. Glass containers are prohibited on the beach.
- Do not leave personal property on the beach. Unless the Town has granted special permission in writing, all personal property (tents, tent frames, chairs, umbrellas, clothing, coolers, toys or other beach equipment) left unattended on the beach after sunset is considered abandoned and will be removed at the owner’s risk and expense.
- No playing loud music on the beach.
- Restore the beach after digging or constructing. For the safety of all beach users and wildlife (such as turtles), fill in any holes you or your pet dig. In addition, level any sandcastles or sand art as people may trip on it, especially as the tide starts to cover it.
- No fires. No grills, cookers, or any heating devices using fire are allowed on the beach. Building or maintaining a fire or open flame is permitted only above the high water mark and when advance permission has been granted in writing by the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association. (Permits may be obtained by submitting an application. Click here or visit sipoa.org for Beach Fire Permit Application.)
- No chumming. No chopped or ground fish bait is permitted on or within 600 feet of the beach. This does not affect or prohibit the baiting of crab traps or the placement of nature bait upon a hook and line. Code enforcement officers have the authority to require persons engaged in fishing from the beach to cease fishing if, in their judgment, circumstances indicate that cessation of fishing is in the interest of public safety.
- No motorized watercraft or vehicles. Launching or landing of motorized watercraft on our beaches is prohibited. Negligent operation of any vessel or watercraft on or near our beaches, including while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, is also prohibited. Motorized vehicles may not be operated on the beach except as authorized by the Town.
- Restricted swimming in Captain Sams Inlet. No swimming is allowed in Captain Sams Inlet during the period two hours before to two hours after low tide, or any time dolphins are present in the inlet.
- No crossing over or onto private property. To get to the beach by way of private property is not permitted. Access to the beach is by way of SIPOA boardwalks or areas designated for that purpose. SIPOA boardwalks can be identified by their numbers 1 through 9. Click here to see the location of the boardwalks labeled 1 through 9.
- Beach towels, bathing suits, and other clothing. These should not be hung on or draped over exterior railings of homes or villas.
- Restrain pets when and where required by ordinance. Click here to review requirements for pets on the beach. Pick up and dispose of animal waste.
These are taken from SIPOA Rules and Regulations, Sections III. E. 3.; V. A.; and VI. B. To see the Town of Seabrook Island Beach Rules, click here.
If you have an emergency on the beach, call 911, not the Gatehouse. Non-emergency situations can be reported directly to Beach Patrol (843-718-6083) or to Town Offices at 843-768-9121.
Property owners should share this information with visitors and rental guests.
–Tidelines Editors
Updated January 2023