Registration Now Open for June 12-22 North Myrtle Beach Ocean Rescue Junior Lifeguard Program

Registration is now open for the city's June 12-22 Ocean Rescue Junior Lifeguard program.
Now in its seventh year, the program is geared towards people ages 10-15 who enjoy the beach and ocean, and who would like to develop ocean lifeguard skills. For successful participants, the program can also offer a path to eventual seasonal employment as one of the city's Ocean Lifeguards (age 16-plus).

The program is sponsored by the North Myrtle Beach Public Safety Department and is conducted by its Beach Patrol Officers. Several trained and experienced Ocean Lifeguards also assist in teaching the program.

Participants engage in fun physical exercises that encourage them to work in teams, build confidence, and learn lifesaving skills.

The June 12-22 classes will be held 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. daily on the beach at 7th Avenue South, with the exception of June 15 when participants will meet at the J. Bryan Floyd Community Center, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. to learn CPR and First Aid. Participants should bring a lunch or snack with them on June 15.   

New program participants will take a basic swim test on June 10, 3:00 p.m. at the North Myrtle Beach Aquatic & Fitness Center. Participants will be asked to swim 100 yards without a life jacket or other flotation support in order to display the swimming competency necessary to ensure a safe learning experience. 

After successful completion of the June 12-22 classes, Junior Lifeguards may elect to "shadow" one of the city's trained, experienced Ocean Lifeguards on Mondays and Wednesdays, June 28-August 11, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. During shadow time, Junior Lifeguards may assist their Ocean Lifeguard in basic duties, such as, water surveillance, informing  beach-goers about beach safety, and other activities. Junior Lifeguards are not allowed to participate in active rescues.  

To register for the June 12-22 Junior Lifeguard classes, drop by the city's Beach Services warehouse located at the corner of 6th Avenue South and Bay Street in North Myrtle Beach. Call ahead at 843-280-5684.

For more information, please contact Beach Patrol Officer May Lauzon at 843-503-3086 or via email at melauzon@nmb.us.

NMB City Council Adopts Anti-Littering Resolution

City Council has adopted a resolution in support of Governor Henry McMaster’s proclamation naming April “Zero Tolerance for Litter Month" in South Carolina.

Mayor Marilyn Hatley presented the city’s resolution to representatives of the Keep North Myrtle Beach Beautiful Committee (KNMBB). Shown left to right in the accompanying photo are Mayor Marilyn Hatley, and KNMBB representatives Rob Kayton, Linda Siceloff, Gregg Barnhill.

The Governor’s proclamation calls on South Carolina’s citizens and visitors to keep the state litter free. During April, enhanced law enforcement efforts are focused on the state’s litter laws.

The city’s resolution echoes the Governor’s assertions that South Carolina is a beautiful state with an abundance of natural resources, and that all should want to keep it clean.

The resolution also encourages people to consider the practical costs of littering— it detracts from economic development, areas of commerce, and real estate values.

The city’s resolution urges residents and visitors to work together to keep North Myrtle Beach and South Carolina clean.

Employee Longevity Awards Given to Five NMB City Employees

Five city employees have received Employee Longevity Awards. The awards are provided in five year increments to those employees who demonstrate consistent customer service excellence.

Shown left to right in photo are Police Chief Phil Webster (25 years of service), Streets Drainage Supervisor Dave Wood (25), Firefighter/EMT Aaron Asbury (10), Animal Control Officer Jerry Gordon (15), Evidence Custodian Chris Sengle (10), City Manager Mike Mahaney.

Upcoming events in North Myrtle Beach

Touch a Truck, April 8, 10am-2pm, at the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex in the Soccer/Lacrosse parking lot. Admission is free. Dump trucks, tractors, a helicopter, fire trucks, police car, race cars and more for kids of all ages to explore.  Also offers public safety information, face painting, helmet safety by the North Strand Optimist Club, spot camera eye screenings offered by the North Myrtle Beach Lion’s Club, and writing letters to soldiers with the Grand Strand Blue Star Mothers. A unique and new community event!

Palmetto Police Motorcycle Skills Competition, April 8, 8am Opening Ceremony, 9am-5pm Police motorcycle officers from many jurisdictions compete in motorcycle skills courses. Admission is free (but feel free to donate to Camp Happy Days). Hosted again this year by the North Myrtle Beach Public Safety Department.

35th Annual NMB Easter Egg Hunt, April 15, 10am Sharp, McLean Park. Admission is free. Separate areas for ages 2 and Under, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11 and Over. Limited on-site parking, so get there early and park in the Main Street area, then walk over.

6th Annual Divas® Half Marathon & 5K, May 7, come out and cheer for thousands of female runners from across the nation decked out as Divas. 5K starts at 7am, and Half Marathon at 7:10am. Both races start on Ocean Boulevard just south of Main Street and finish on Main Street.

12th Annual Mayfest on Main, May 13, 10am-6pm, Main Street. Admission is free. A popular festival with over 100 vendors and live music!

Oak Tree At South State Bank Selected As North Myrtle Beach Tree Of The Month

The North Myrtle Beach Tree City Board has selected a live oak tree on the grounds of South State Bank, 600 Main Street, North Myrtle Beach as its Tree of the Month for April.


According to South State Bank AVP Branch Manager Brittany Johnson, the bank was designed and constructed specifically to avoid interfering with the tree, which has withstood hurricanes and storms over the years with very little damage.


The Tree of the Month program began in 2010 as a way to recognize trees within the community that have been preserved over the years. It also provides a platform to remind people of the benefits and importance that trees offer in our everyday lives.

If you think you have the biggest, prettiest, or most unusual tree in North Myrtle Beach, or that your tree has a unique story attached to it, the Tree City Board encourages you to contact Parks & Grounds Superintendent Jim Grainger at (843) 280-5571 or via email at nmbtreeboard@nmb.us.

Mayor Hatley Participates In Hearing On Dedicated State Funding For Beach Preservation (Renourishment)

Acting in her role as Vice Chairperson of the South Carolina Beach Advocates organization, North Myrtle Beach Mayor Marilyn Hatley (far right in photo) traveled to Columbia, SC on March 31 to participate in a hearing on “Dedicated State Funding for Beach Preservation” sponsored by S.C. Senator George Campsen and S.C. Representative William Herbkersman. S.C. Representative Greg Duckworth (second from right in photo) was also present on the panel.


South Carolina Beach Advocates includes mayors and administrators from municipalities located along the South Carolina coast. It’s mission is to help educate decision makers and the public as to the economic, environmental, and civic benefits of South Carolina beaches.


During her remarks, Mayor Hatley said that the economic benefits resulting from beach preservation or renourishment do not accrue only to the beach communities. For example, the Grand Strand tourism industry contributes about $485 million each year to the state economy in state and local taxes. That revenue flows throughout all of South Carolina.


South Carolina beach counties contributed 72% of all the state Accommodations Tax revenues collected last year, with over $45 million of that revenue going directly into the state’s treasury each year. A “Robin Hood” provision in the state’s Accommodations Tax law redistributes a portion of all Accommodations Tax dollars collected to communities that do not have tourism.


Mayor Hatley also pointed out that, if one considers property ownership east of the Intracoastal Waterway along the South Carolina coast, it is again clear that our beaches are a statewide asset. Coastal property east of the Intracoastal Waterway is owned by someone in every county in South Carolina, and every state in the union.


In addition to Mayor Hatley, South Carolina Beach Advocates Executive Director Nicole Elko, Pawley’s Island Mayor Bill Otis, and Edisto Beach Mayor Jane Darby participated in providing testimony to the panel. The South Carolina Department of Health & Environmental Control and the South Carolina Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department also partnered with South Carolina Beach Advocates to encourage dedicated funding of beach preservation and renourishment.

“Our message is that South Carolina’s beaches are a statewide environmental treasure and a generator of revenue that require a strategic, long-term investment in regular maintenance,” Mayor Hatley said. “It just makes good sense. Revenue from our beaches positively impacts all of South Carolina and we should not have to start from scratch every time renourishment is determined by appropriate agencies to be necessary. We are not asking the state to do it all, only to establish dedicated funding for its share so that when we have to act to preserve our beaches, we can do so in a timely manner.”

Two New Art Classes Offered by North Myrtle Beach Parks & Recreation Department

The North Myrtle Beach Parks & Recreation Department introduces two new art classes beginning in April:

Outsider ARTventure Mini Masters – A Mommy and Me art class for ages 2-5. Starting April 5, the class will be offered the first and last Wednesday of the month from 11am to 12pm. Classes will be held the J. Bryan Floyd Community Center Shelter #3, 1030 Possum Trot Road, North Myrtle Beach.

This is a fun, creative time held outdoors with hands-on making and creating.

Cost is $25 per class / $40 per month. All supplies included. 24-hour reservation required.

Outsider ARTventure Picnic and Painting – Partners create a “Canvas Duet”, two canvases that are meant to complement each other and be displayed side by side. This is perfect for parent and child. No previous experience necessary.

For ages 8 and up. This is an ongoing class beginning April 15 and will continue every third Saturday of the month. Times are 10am – 11:30amand 5pm-6:30 pm.

Bring a picnic meal to enjoy while art works dry.

Classes will be held at the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex at the CCNB Lake Shelter.

Cost is $45/duet or $30/solo. All supplies included. 48-hour reservation required. There is a $15 nonrefundable deposit due upon reservation.

For more information or to sign up please call instructor, Nina Ortiz843-997-4729 or emailfuntasticart@yahoo.com.