From The Blog

Beach Tips Help You Protect What You Love

The summer season is nearly here. While you’re getting your fill of outdoor time on the island, please be mindful of the beach rules that are in place for your protection and others that may carry a penalty if you’re found in violation. All ordinances are enforced by the Town of Kiawah Island.

 

Have Pets? Know the Rules for Your Four-Legged Friends

Of course, you want to bring your best buddy with you to the beach, but be mindful that your pet must be leashed at all times from March 16-Oct. 31, except at the one off-leash area between the Beach Club and the Ocean Course. Dogs are prohibited year-round in critical habitat areas located on each end of the island. Remember to always clean up after your dog, and to never let your pup disturb nesting or feeding shorebirds. See more info, including the pet restraint map, here.

 

Leave Only Your Footprints

Kiawah Island is a beautiful place to be in the summertime, and we all want to keep it that way. We ask that you properly dispose of all of your trash to keep the island looking beautiful. Glass, drones, metal shovels, plastic carryout bags and straws, styrofoam, and balloons are prohibited on the beach.

 

If You Protect the Sand Dunes, They’ll Protect Us

Stay off the sand dunes and use boardwalks to get on and off the beach. 

 

Protect the Turtles

With the Loggerhead sea turtle season in full swing, it’s important to remember that from May-October all outdoor lighting visible from the beachfront should be turned off from 9 p.m. to dawn. Remember to never approach sea turtles, hatchings, or nests. Keep Kiawah turtles safe by following these guidelines and sharing with family, friends, and vacation rental guests. Learn more about Kiawah’s Loggerhead population.

Look at the stats on Kiawah’s turtle population this year.

 

Digging on the Beach – Fill in Your Sandcastle Moats

We know digging holes is essential for sandcastle construction but holes at the beach can become dangerous. A good rule of thumb is not to dig any holes deeper than the knees of the shortest person in your party. Metal shovels are not permitted on the beach, and all holes must be filled in by the conclusion of your day. Filling in your hole at the end of your day will protect nesting and hatching sea turtles falling into the holes you dug.

 

Cyclists on Kiawah

The beach is a lovely place for a breezy bike ride. Just make sure to follow the rules on your way there. Walk with your bike across the boardwalk. Don’t leave bicycles on or secured to any boardwalk. Please ride with care on Kiawah Island. Remember that e-bikes are not permitted anywhere on the island, including the beach.

 

Captain Sam’s Inlet

No wading or swimming is permitted at Captain Sam’s Inlet on the western end of Kiawah Island. 

 

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If you see any violations or have questions, please reach out to the Kiawah Island Beach Patrol at 843-518-2880. Any off-beach violations can be reported to the 24-hour hotline 843-259-2137. All ordinances apply to property owners and visitors of Kiawah Island. For your safety, and the safety of others, remember to follow the rules of Kiawah Island’s beach. See the reasons behind the rules here.