"What is the purpose of the umbrella line?"

For those who are unfamiliar with Myrtle Beach and the decades-old umbrella line policy, we often get asked the question, "What is the purpose of the umbrella line?"

Here's the policy...

The umbrella line is set each morning by lifeguards along the beach. All umbrellas must be set up in-line with, or behind, the umbrella line.

Here's the policy's purpose...

Umbrellas in front of the set umbrella line block access and visibility to the water’s edge, which affects public safety in a negative way. We want lifeguards to have their vision unblocked and have ease of access for our city's first responders and rescue vehicles so that they can save anyone who encounters danger. Providing residents and visitors with a public beach access and a safe, lifeguard-monitored environment is our highest priority!