Everyone please be aware that what is on this page are links to or excerpts from laws and regulations both from SC and Federal authorities which are applicable to kayakers. In no way is this a complete rendering of the laws and regulations that could apply to us.
If you find something that you feel would add value to this page please let us know.
The starting place would be the SC Department of Natural Resources website.
Here is a link to the boating section of their site.
http://www.dnr.sc.gov/boating.html
Another valuable site is the SC Boating Handbook website.
http://www.boat-ed.com/sc/handbook
Another good resource would be at At USCGboating.org website.
The US Coast Guard sponsored site has a large variety of information.
Reference Guide to State Boating
SC State laws on boating as being applicable to surf kayakers.
Title 50 – Fish, Game and Watercraft
CHAPTER 25.
BOATING AND SURFING AT PARTICULAR LOCALITIES
ARTICLE 5.
SURFING ON CERTAIN BEACHES IN HORRY COUNTY
http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t50c025.php
City of Myrtle Beach boating laws applicable to surf kayakers.
Sec.5- 10. Use of kayaks and surfboards restricted.
http://www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com/beachlaws.html
City of North Myrtle Beach surfing laws and regulations.
Sec.5- 5
http://parks.nmb.us/beach-services/surfing-rules-and-regulations/
Can you tell me if it is required to wear a life vest while kayaking?
No you do not have to wear a life vest, but you do by law have to have it with you on the kayak. Children do have to wear one by law. So for every person on the water have a life vest on the boat/kayak they are in. Children wear them.
Is a whistle required on a kayak?
Get and keep one regardless of legality. Either attach it to the kayak or to your life vest, we have always just had one attached to our life vests. They are cheap and if you need to make a loud noise to get someone’s attention they work. You will want to also keep a waterproof led flash light on the kayak. You technically don’t have to have it on the kayak during the day by law, but you do have to have one during the evening/night by law. I found out the hard way one evening at dusk as we got to the landing to go home that DNR will write you a ticket even at dusk when you can still see for not having a flash light. Didn’t matter that others in the group had one either. The got everyone that didn’t have one.