North Myrtle Beach passes law on digging holes

Flickr user Paul W

A new law governing the digging of holes on the beach is now in effect in North Myrtle Beach. 

Under the new law any person who digs a hole, trench or depression on the beach that is deeper than 12 inches must fill in that hole before leaving the beach.  The new law was put into place to prevent people from walking into a hole, trench or depression and risking personal injury; to protect people from hazards associated with collapsing sand; to allow public safety, emergency and beach cleaning vehicles to conduct necessary activities on the beach, while minimizing the risk of personal injury or damage to equipment; and to help preserve sea turtle habitat. 

According to Public Information Officer Pat Dowling, holes up to 8 feet deep and as wide have been dug on the public beach this summer. “This trend toward digging bigger and better holes has been growing over the past several years,” Dowling said. “It is fun but, when left unfilled, the deeper holes do pose a real safety risk to people and they can damage beach maintenance equipment.

Folks can continue to try to dig their way to China but now must fill it all in before they leave the beach. In the end, it’s just common courtesy.” Dowling said that beach services personnel will work to educate residents and visitors about the requirements of the new law. Those who steadfastly refuse to abide by the new law could be fined $100.

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