Dune protection

Make four dune-friendly choices

Dunes provide wildlife habitat and form a natural barrier against storms and coastal flooding.

Your four choices

Reach the beach by a designated access point, boardwalk, or walkover. Stay off the dunes.

Do not move, alter, obstruct, attach items to, or otherwise interfere with sand fences.

Do not place, attach, or store items on or under a dune walkover.

Keep the eight-foot area east of the dune line clear. The dune line starts just east of each walkway, step, or crossover.

This page gives general dune protection choices for visitors to the public beach.

Read the linked sources for the full state guidance and town rules.

How should I cross the dunes to reach the beach?: Reach the beach by a designated access point, boardwalk, or walkover. Stay off the dunes.; Source: SCDES beach and dune protection guidance (opens in a new tab)
Can I move or attach items to a sand fence?: Do not move, alter, obstruct, attach items to, or otherwise interfere with sand fences.; Source: Town of Surfside Beach beach shading rules (opens in a new tab)
Can I place or store items by a dune walkover?: Do not place, attach, or store items on or under a dune walkover.; Source: Town of Surfside Beach beach shading rules (opens in a new tab)
Where must I keep the emergency lane clear?: Keep the eight-foot area east of the dune line clear. The dune line starts just east of each walkway, step, or crossover.; Source: Town of Surfside Beach beach shading rules (opens in a new tab)