Check the water conditions
Review posted beach conditions before you enter the ocean.
Open-water swimming
Make five choices before you enter the ocean
Plan around the water, the guarded area, your swimming partner, alcohol, and your health.
Sources checked August 21, 2026: South Carolina DPH water safety guidance (opens in a new tab) and South Carolina DES beach safety guidance (opens in a new tab) .
Your five choices
Look for lifeguards and signs
Know whether lifeguards are on duty. Read posted signs for open-water hazards and lifeguard hours.
Swim with another adult
Do not swim alone. Choose a trusted adult to swim with you.
Leave alcohol out
Avoid alcohol before and during water activities.
Consider health conditions and medicines
Consider whether a health condition or medicine could affect your ability to navigate the water.
What this page covers
These choices provide general safety information for adults. They do not assess swimming ability or personal health.
Use the linked guides for child supervision, rip-current escape, warning flag meanings, and water quality details.
Source: South Carolina DPH water safety guidance (opens in a new tab) · Source: South Carolina DES beach safety guidance (opens in a new tab)
Open-water swimming questions
- What should I check before entering the ocean?
- Review posted beach conditions before you enter the ocean. Know whether lifeguards are on duty. Read posted signs for open-water hazards and lifeguard hours.
- Sources: South Carolina DES beach safety guidance (opens in a new tab), South Carolina DPH water safety guidance (opens in a new tab)
- Should an adult swim alone in open water?
- Do not swim alone. Choose a trusted adult to swim with you.
- Source: South Carolina DPH water safety guidance (opens in a new tab)
- Should I drink alcohol before swimming?
- Avoid alcohol before and during water activities.
- Source: South Carolina DPH water safety guidance (opens in a new tab)
- What should I consider about my health before swimming?
- Consider whether a health condition or medicine could affect your ability to navigate the water.
- Source: South Carolina DPH water safety guidance (opens in a new tab)