SC Governor asks law enforcement to disperse crowds on beaches

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — Gov. Henry McMaster is taking another step to protect residents - by telling them to not crowd the beaches.

McMaster tweeted Friday "A state of emergency exists in South Carolina to prevent the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus. To save lives, I have directed SLED and local law enforcement to disperse crowds gathered on our state’s beaches. Coastal residents can responsibly maintain social distance while enjoying our state’s beaches. "

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Myrtle Beach police released the following statement on the matter Friday afternoon:

Our agency has received several messages about large groups and illegal activity on the north end of our beach. To be clear, the beach is not being kept open for economic benefit. Closing it is simply not required at this point, as neither the Governor nor the President has suggested that wide open spaces, such as the beach, be closed to the public. The Governor has ordered that large groups be dispersed and that beachgoers maintain proper social distancing and limit group sizes. Most of our beach visitors are in compliance. We have increased our patrols on the beach and are working with CCU Police to help educate some of the students. Our officers will be working to ensure that order is followed and our focus is on education and compliance. However, if individuals do not come into compliance we will follow the Governor’s order and violators are subject to citation or arrest. This is about the safety of the whole community and we hope our responsible citizens and visitors will work with us on this effort.

I also want to make it clear that other illegal activity will not be tolerated on our beaches or in our community. Public safety is a shared responsibility; this health crisis is not an excuse to behave any differently than any other time of the year. There are ordinances in place to prohibit drinking on the beach, parking regulations in place to make sure we are all being good neighbors, and littering ordinances in place to encourage everyone to clean up after themselves. We take pride in our community and are proud of the efforts that we are taking to be part of the solution to this crisis. Everyone in our community, visitors included, have a part to play in the safety of Myrtle Beach. Understanding and personal responsibility are the keys to reducing the impacts of COVID-19 and maintaining our beautiful community.