HILTON HEAD BEACHESThe Travel Channel recently ranked Hilton Head Island number three in its "America's Best Beaches" program. It's no wonder that Hilton Head Island's beaches have gained so much attention. The shoreline is clean, wide and sandy. Come and enjoy
island's 12 miles of pristine beaches.
Following are some general guidelines and Hilton Head Beach regulations as well as some beach first aid tips.
Public Access to Hilton Head Island Beaches:
The Town of Hilton Head Island provides four (4) Public Beach Accesses as follows:
1. Alder Lane Beach Access off South Forest Beach Drive - Parking available.
2. Beachfront at Coligny Circle - Parking available.
3. Driessen Beach Park at end of Bradley Beach Road - Parking available.
4. Folly Field Beach Park off Folly Field Road - Parking available.
Plantations with beaches have numerous beach access points for their guests.
Prohibited at Beach all seasons
* Liquor, beer or wine. * All forms of glassware. * Shark fishing. * Horses. * Sleeping on beach after midnight. * The operation, launching or landing of motorized watercraft ( except in emergencies )
Seasonal Rules From April 1st - September 30th
No Stunt Kites between 10AM-6PM. No sand sailing between 10AM-6PM. No fishing or surf casting in designated swimming areas. No surfboards or other articles to ride surf in designated swimming areas. No frisbees or other team sports involving a ball in designated swimming areas. No games with metal components (such as metal horseshoes) in designated swimming areas.
Animal Regulations for all Hilton Head Beaches
October 1st - April 1st - No leashes required at any time. The animal is required to be under positive voice control. April 1st - May 22nd - Animals must be on a leash between 10AM and 5PM. May 23rd until Monday of Labor Day weekend - NO animals allowed on beach between 10AM-5PM. Tuesday after Labor Day - September 30th - Animals must be on a leash from 10AM-5PM. On beach or not, local law requires owners to clean up after their pets.
Beach Safety
* Protect your skin: Sunlight contains two kinds of UV rays -- UVA increases risk of skin cancer, skin aging, and other skin diseases. UVB causes sunburn and can lead to skin cancer. Limit amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and wear a sunscreen with a sun protection factor containing a high rating such as 15.
* Drink plenty of water regularly and often even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They can make you feel good briefly but make heat's effects on your body worse. This is especially true with beer, which dehydrates body.
* Watch for signs of heat stroke: Heat stroke is life-threatening. The victim's temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if body is not cooled quickly. Signals include hot, red, and dry skin; changes in consciousness, rapid, weak pulse, and rapid, shallow breathing. Call 9-1-1 or your local EMS number. Move person to a cooler place. Quickly cool body by wrapping wet sheets around body and fan it. If you have ice packs or cold packs, place them on each of victim's wrists and ankles, in armpits and on neck to cool large blood vessels. Watch for signals of breathing problems and make sure airway is clear. Keep person lying down.
