Tent regulations having an effect

July 9, 2012 North Myrtle Beach, SC – Mitch Kritchner from Charlotte, N.C. understands the need for tent regulation.  He observed that during the last several years they have “grown like mushrooms after a rainy day” and were really making it hard to move around.  “It is a safety issue.”

One tent beyond the umbrella lineLast year the city recognized tents were blocking the views of the lifeguards and, in places, creating an impenetrable barrier to safety vehicles. To get the situation under control, the city passed some commonsense regulations. Tents are capped at 12 ft x 12 ft and can’t be taller than 9 foot.  To insure there is a travel lane, tents must be landward of the city umbrella line or if there isn’t one, landward of the high tide mark.  Tents can’t be closer than ten feet to another tent. For the complete synopsis of the regulations read "Everything you need to know about North Myrtle Beach."
 
Kritchner and family set up two tents while vacationing in North Myrtle Beach over the Fourth of July week and were very careful to follow the tent regulations posted on the beach access way.  Their two tents were set up behind the city umbrella line and spaced ten feet apart.

Three tents togetherLooking around, Kritchner pointed out that the regulations didn’t seem to be enforced. He pointed to a nearby tent well below the umbrella line and to three tents in a side-by-side row.
 
“It’s not like the city doesn’t have a presence up and down the beach.” He pointed out that the lifeguards were on their stands and had seen the beach patrol pass by at least once a day, sometimes twice.  “And, of course, there is the refreshment girl.”

He observed that overall the regulations had put some order onto the use of tents and applauded the city for that but was frustrated that the rules weren’t enforced.  “Our family would prefer to have our tents together and closer to the ocean, but we follow the rules and everyone should.”

Spot checking various portions of the beach, we found beach-goers had mostly followed the tent rules and the number of violations was not so extensive that the intent of the ordinance was lost.  The lifeguards’ views did not appear to be obstructed and a travel lane, if needed, was available for emergency vehicle.