Seabrook Island's temporary beach rules began Oct. 15

The Town of Seabrook Island adopted Emergency Ordinance 2026-01 (Amended) to set temporary beach rules while SIPOA conducts its sand scraping project, according to a Town announcement posted October 2. The rules took effect October 15. The Town says the sand transfer project is expected to be completed by December 31, 2026, and that the rules are meant to protect residents, visitors, wildlife, marine life and sensitive shorebird and sea turtle habitats while construction vehicles operate on the beach.

Vehicles: Motor vehicles are generally not permitted on the beach. The notice lists exceptions for authorized vehicles, including those used by town, county, state and federal agencies, public safety and emergency services, and contractors providing services for the Town; by SIPOA, Seabrook Island Club, Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol, the Seabrook Island Utility Commission and St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center; by people with qualifying disabilities using permitted small motorized vehicles or medical devices; properly permitted Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes; and vehicles under an approved Town vehicle-use permit.

Authorized vehicles must generally stay at or below 10 mph, drive on the wet sand except when accessing it, stay out of dunes and vegetated areas, and enter the beach only at authorized access points. They must also avoid endangering or unreasonably disturbing people, wildlife, marine life and protected habitat, and have four-wheel drive, with limited exceptions.

Pets: A restricted area runs from Boardwalk #1 to the Atlantic Ocean and northeast to Captain Sams Inlet. Pets are not permitted there at any time, leashed or unleashed. In all other areas of the beach, the notice says pets must be kept on a leash at all times. The Town's separate Beach Rules page also describes the Boardwalk #1 to Captain Sams Inlet area as closed to pets at any time, on or off a leash. That page does not mention the temporary ordinance. For its general beach area, the page lists seasonal leash rules, with pets allowed off a leash from October 1 to March 31 if they are effectively controlled. The leash-at-all-times rule above comes from the announcement.

Fires and night access: Fires, open flames, and propane-fueled grills, cookers or heating devices are not permitted during this time. Public access to Seabrook Island beaches is prohibited between sunset and sunrise.