Pawleys Island Beach Safety: Know Before You Go
Summer is finally here! Families are making their way to the coast, eager to sink their toes into the sand and enjoy long days by the ocean. As you arrive on Pawleys Island, you'll hear the waves crashing, feel the warm coastal breeze, and smell the salt air that makes our beaches so special.
Before you take that running start into the water, take a moment to learn about rip currents.
Because there are no lifeguards on Pawleys island beaches, we want to help our guests stay safe by understanding one of the ocean's most powerful natural forces.
What Is a Rip Current?
A rip current is a strong channel of water that flows away from the shore. These currents can quickly carry swimmers away from the beach, even on days when the ocean appears calm.
Before heading to the beach, we encourage all guests to review the Town of Pawleys Island's Swimmer Safety Page, which includes important beach safety information and a video demonstrating how to identify and escape a rip current.
How to Spot a Rip Current
Look for:
- A break in the incoming waves
- Darker or murky water
- Foam, seaweed, or debris moving away from the shore
- An unusually calm area between breaking waves
If You're Caught in a Rip Current
Remember these three steps:
- Stay Calm.
- Don't swim directly back to shore.
- Swim parallel to the beach until you are out of the current, then return to shore at an angle.
If you become tired, float on your back, conserve energy, and signal for help.
Before heading to the beach, watch the rip current safety video . A few minutes of preparation can make all the difference.
We hope you enjoy your time on Pawleys Island and have a safe, memorable vacation at the beach.
