Horry County leaders could allow wind-driven shading devices like Shibumi Shade on the beach this summer. The popular sun blockers, often touted as a safer alternative to beach umbrellas , have been banned for years in Horry County , Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach during the busy summer tourist season.
But next week, county leaders will discuss allowing those shades and similar products on the 14 miles of unincorporated coast. Known as wind-driven shading devices, these lightweight products are often marketed as preferable to umbrellas because they won't become spears during a strong gust. Instead, they wave in the wind like a flag. But they've drawn criticism from local public safety officials who fear the shades will block the view of lifeguards and beach patrol officers, potentially preventing them from seeing swimmers in distress.
Officials in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach confirmed they plan to continue banning wind-driven shading devices during the summer months. One reason is because of the Grand Strand beach that already allows these shades: Surfside Beach. Hardee said some residents in that area have complained that the rules are confusing because town's two miles of beachfront allow wind-driven canopies but the bordering county beaches do not.
The county is also responsible for the beach between Surfside and the Georgetown County line. Hardee serves on the council's administration committee, which on Feb. If the program finds sufficient support at the committee level, it would go to the full council for final approval. But if the shades cause problems for public safety personnel, the council could terminate the program early.
When asked about the county's proposal, Shibumi co-founder Dane Barnes said via text that he appreciates "the opportunity to help improve beach safety in Horry County. The discussion comes during the same month that an Indiana tourist sued a Grand Strand beach service after she was injured by a wind-blown umbrella in It's one of multiple local lawsuits stemming from beach umbrella-related injuries that have been filed in recent years.
