From The Blog

Proactive Ways to Protect What You Love

The summer season on Kiawah Island is officially in full swing. 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.

Ordinances & Rules

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

If you choose to bring your pets to the beach, please be mindful that your pet must be leashed at all times from March 16-Oct. 31. There is one off-leash area between The Beach Club and the Ocean Course, but all other areas require a leash. Remember to always clean up after your dog. Dogs are prohibited year-round in critical habitat areas located on each end of the island.

(View the Kiawah pet restraint map here.)

Leave Only Your Footprints

Kiawah Island is a beautiful place to be in the summertime, and we love to keep it that way. We ask that you properly dispose of all of your trash to keep the island looking beautiful. Please remember that 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 for your mode of transportation to get on and off the beach. 

Protect the Turtles

With the Loggerhead sea turtle season in full swing, it is 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. By keeping 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 and other fun beach activities. However, we want to remind you that digging holes at the beach can become dangerous. It is a good rule of thumb to not dig any holes deeper than the knees of the shortest person in your party, all holes must be filled in by the conclusion of your day, and metal shovels are not permitted on the beach. 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. Boardwalks on Kiawah Island can become populated as others are walking and bikes and pedestrians can often become a dangerous combination. Don’t leave bicycles on or secured to any boardwalk. Please ride with care on Kiawah Island.

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.