Crime rates and occasional incidents in Myrtle Beach pose safety concerns for tourists, but North Myrtle Beach is a more family-friendly destination. North Myrtle Beach is generally safe for solo travelers, but safety at night and for female tourists is not guaranteed. Swimming safety at North Myrtle Beach can be an issue, and the area surrounding Myrtle Beach is not thought to be safe due to documented incidents.
These are just answers to a few concerns about Myrtle Beach safety. To be more resolved and for more detailed answers, dive into the article.
Myrtle Beach Safety Concerns
I get the importance of safety in trip planning, especially when you are planning a vacation to relax from worries. In this guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of all possible safety concerns you may have for Myrtle Beach.
Tourist Safety
In recent years, Myrtle Beach has gained notoriety for its crime rates, leading to the first concern, ‘Is Myrtle Beach safe to visit?’. Statistically speaking, Myrtle Beach is not the safest destination for travelers.
If you want to travel solo, you may be wondering if North Myrtle Beach is safe for solo travelers. It is generally a safe destination for any traveler, as long as basic safety precautions are taken into account.
When you question if Myrtle Beach is safe for female tourists, no one can answer you with a guaranteed yes as well. However, a well-informed and cautious traveler can enjoy the city’s attractions while minimizing potential risks.
Family Safety
Secondly, if you’re curious about whether Myrtle Beach is safe for families with kids, the answer is yes.
Myrtle Beach is known for its recent safety measures. Notably, Myrtle Beach has increased its surveillance capabilities with nearly 1,200 cameras spread across the city.
Again, Myrtle Beach offers attractions like amusement parks, aquariums, golf courses, and shopping. Whereas North Myrtle Beach offers three water parks along the Grand Strand that provide extra family fun.
North Myrtle Beach is a family-friendly haven, offering a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere compared to its bustling southern counterpart, Myrtle Beach. For partying and a lively environment, the better one is South Myrtle Beach compared to North Myrtle Beach.
Area Safety
Now let’s come to the third concern, Is the area around Myrtle Beach safe? – No, the area around Myrtle Beach is not considered that safe.
Recent news reports have highlighted efforts to combat crime in the area.
In October 2023, there was a tragic incident in Myrtle Beach where a shooting occurred outside Barfield’s Bar & Grille. It resulted in one fatality and one injury.
This incident is not isolated, as the area has experienced several violent incidents over the years. Even in January 2023, a similar incident happened outside two bars in the area, which resulted in a shooting and hospitalization.
So you need to be cautious when frequenting establishments in these areas, especially during late hours, and stay updated on local news and advisories. You also need to be aware of scams like these.
White collar crime on the rise in North Myrtle Beach, police say
Swimming safety at North Myrtle Beach can be a concern due to occasional water quality advisories, typically caused by heavy rain runoff. So, if I’m asked about it, is it safe to swim? – I’ll say no.
Residence Safety
If you’re considering Myrtle Beach as a place to call home, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the safety landscape. You may be concerned about whether Myrtle Beach is a safe place to live. But the answer I have based on the statistics is no.
Because, while it’s a lovely tourist destination, Myrtle Beach faces some residential safety concerns, especially when it comes to property crimes. Here, the property crime rate is approximately 4.5 times higher than the national average, which is 1958.2 per 100,000 residents.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocr8rcNPwTI
While Myrtle Beach offers a fantastic lifestyle and beautiful surroundings, it’s essential to acknowledge these property crime statistics. It still has one of the highest property crime rates in the nation. So, you may need to think twice before settling there for good.
Nightlife Safety
Safety is a concern, and Myrtle Beach does have relatively high crime rates. While daytime has a friendly atmosphere, nighttime scenarios can be different.
A news report from Myrtle Beach in May 2023 tells the unfortunate story of a shooting incident that claimed a life. This incident serves as a reminder that even popular tourist areas can have safety issues.
In case your queries included ‘Is it safe to walk on the beach late at night in Myrtle Beach?’ Now you know my answer, ‘No’
Natural Calamities
Myrtle Beach earned the title of the most dangerous beach in South Carolina, with a “danger score” of 6.61 out of 10. So, what makes Myrtle Beach a risky destination?
Myrtle Beach is not safe from hurricanes, and it is one of the cities along the coast that feels their impact quite frequently. The hurricane season here stretches from June 1 to November 30, with the peak between mid-August and mid-October.
Another huge calamity is a tornado. Myrtle Beach is not safe from tornadoes, as they occasionally make an appearance here as well. The tornado season in South Carolina primarily spans from March to May.
You can enjoy the beach as long as you’re cautious and well-prepared, with timely storm tracking through resources like the National Hurricane Center.
Marine Dangers
Lastly, one common question that crosses the minds of beachgoers is, “Are there sharks in North Myrtle Beach?” The answer is yes, but the probability of a shark encounter is incredibly low.
Shark attacks are extremely rare events along the coast of North Myrtle Beach, as they are in most coastal areas.
Safety Tips
To stay safe while visiting Myrtle Beach, consider the following safety measures and precautions.
- Keep valuables discreet and conceal hotel keys to avoid attracting attention
- Exercise caution during crowded events like Bike Week.
- Swim in areas with lifeguards, avoid risky behavior, and heed surf warning flags.
- Don’t venture too far from shore while swimming.
- Check the weather forecast and research accommodations for safety.
- Secure your belongings and park in well-lit areas.
- Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less secure areas.
- Stay informed about hurricane watches and warnings.
- Follow evacuation orders promptly if issued, especially if you’re a tourist.
- Always prioritize safety and adhere to local guidelines.
You can be cautious and easily avoid the dangers if you learn what makes Myrtle Beach so dangerous.
Conclusion
You may now have your answer to the query, ‘Is Myrtle Beach safe?’ As a result, in conclusion, I will add that Myrtle Beach offers a diverse range of experiences for tourists, but it’s essential to stay mindful of safety concerns.
