Beach Regulations

prohibitions

Warning 
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Department patrols the beaches and enforces all beach regulations. Violators of beach regulations are subject to fines up to $500 per each offense.

The following are PROHIBITED on all beaches:

• Alcoholic liquor, beer, wine 
• Glass (bottles, containers, etc.) 
• Littering 
• Indecent exposure (nudity) 
• Disorderly conduct 
• Disturbing the peace 
• Unauthorized vehicles
•  Fires and Fireworks
•  Shark Fishing
•  Removal, harming , or harassment of any live beach fauna (sea turtles, sand dollars, conchs, starfish, etc.)
•  Removal, alteration, or damage to dunes, sea oats, or other dune flora 
• Operation, launching, or landing of unauthorized motorized watercraft 
• Unauthorized commercial activity 
• Sleeping on the beach between midnight and 6 a.m. 
• Unauthorized wearing of lifeguard emblems, insignias, etc. 
• Solicitation or distribution of handouts 
• Kites not under manual control 
• Stunt kites 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. April 1 through September 30 
• Sand-sailing 

The following activities are prohibited in Designated Swimming Areas between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. April 1 through September 30:

• Fishing or surfcasting 
• Surfboards, boogie boards, etc. 
• Frisbees or other team sports involving a ball 
• Games with metal components 

Animals on the Beach

Not permitted - Between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day 
Must be on a leash: 

Between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. April 1 through Thursday before Memorial Day
Between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesday after Labor Day through September 30 

Must be on leash or under positive voice control at all other times. 
Persons in control of animals on the beach are required to remove and properly dispose of the animal's waste.