Updated 4/24/25

Outdated Rules. Hidden Interests. Time for Change.

Myrtle Beach’s umbrellas-only rule from Memorial Day to Labor Day is outdated. It was adopted in 2014—two years before the first Shibumi Shade was even sold—to eliminate large, rigid tents that blocked ocean views and made the beach feel crowded and unsafe. But Shibumi Shades aren’t tents. They’re lightweight, open, and designed specifically to solve those exact problems. They enhance visibility, create a more spacious beach feel, and stay securely in place even in strong winds. So why are they still banned in the summer, even though they’re allowed the rest of the year? Ask yourself who benefits from keeping an outdated rule in place—and who might be influencing those decisions.

Umbrellas Block The View. Shibumi Shades Don’t

Clusters of umbrellas create a wall that blocks ocean views from all angles. 

Unlike clusters of umbrellas, Shibumi’s open arch allows clear ocean views. You can easily see the water.

Hundreds of Beaches Allow Shibumi 

Shibumi Shades are allowed on nearly every U.S. beach—with the full support of public safety officials. Across the country, safety officials agree: Shibumi Shades pose no issues. Here’s just a small sampling of their feedback: 

  • Ocean City, MD Beach Patrol Lieutenant: “We have no issues with visibility or beach space with Shibumi Shades.”

  • Virginia Beach, VA Beach Patrol: “No issues with blocking views or taking up too much space.”

  • Fort Lauderdale, FL Ocean Rescue Lieutenant: “We get a lot of Shibumis. No issues with space or visibility. We have never had a problem with Shibumis.”

So why is Myrtle Beach still refusing to reconsider?

A “Safety” Rule That Ignores Safety

Myrtle Beach public safety officials say “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”—but traditional umbrellas are far from safe. Consider the facts:

  • Tammy Perrault was tragically killed by a wind-blown umbrella in Horry County, SC in 2022 (source: Post & Courier).

  • Rhonda Williams filed a lawsuit against John's Beach Service and East Coast Umbrella after being hit by an unanchored umbrella in May 2022 (source: WBTW).

  • Debra Willey sued John's Beach Service after a beach umbrella struck her near 72nd Avenue North in 2022 (source: Post & Courier).

  • Charlene Brownlee sued Lack's Beach Service after alleging being knocked out by a beach umbrella while visiting Myrtle Beach in June 2023 (source: Post & Courier).

  • Lack's Beach Service and John's Beach Service have each been named as defendants in 11 lawsuits related to personal injury or wrongful death (source: Horry County Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Public Index)

  • Over 3,100 people were injured by umbrellas between 2014 and 2023 (source: The Assembly).

Unlike umbrellas, Shibumi Shades can’t blow away. They’re a safe, proven alternative.

Local Residents And Visitors Want Shibumi Shades

Nearly 75% of Myrtle Beach-area residents support allowing Shibumi Shades in the summer (source: Post & Courier). Thousands of Horry County residents already own them—yet they’re banned from using them on their own beaches. 

Despite overwhelming public support, Myrtle Beach City Council refuses to even allow a trial period.

Why Won’t They Even Try It? Follow the Money.

Myrtle Beach has exclusive contracts with Lack’s Beach Service and Myrtle Beach Surf Rescue (formerly John's Beach Service). These companies hold a monopoly on renting umbrellas and chairs—in exchange for providing lifeguards at no cost to the city (source: MyHorryNews). 

If the city ran its own lifeguard program, it would cost $1.27 million per season (source: MyHorryNews). Instead, the city protects a private monopoly—at the expense of public safety and local residents.

Behind the Curtain: The Beach Advisory Committee

Myrtle Beach City Council relies heavily on recommendations from a group called the Beach Advisory Committee—a panel of seven unelected volunteers who help shape city beach rules.

But here’s the problem:

  • The City Council hand-picks the members, and they’ve kept the same group in place for years.

  • Other citizens have applied, but the Council continues reappointing the same insiders.

  • The result? A small, unaccountable group with outsized influence on public policy.


At a City Council workshop on November 5th, 2024, Steve Taylor, the chairman of the Beach Advisory Committee, revealed his personal ties to Myrtle Beach’s private beach service monopoly. During public comment, he stated:

“My dad was the manager at John’s Beach Service for 14 years. I lifeguarded for George Lack in college.” (source: Myrtle Beach City Council Workshop, timestamp 42:08 – 42:17)

The Beach Advisory Committee, led by Taylor, recommended against even allowing a trial period for Shibumi Shades—despite overwhelming public support and their proven safety on hundreds of U.S. beaches (source: WMBF).

This isn’t how public policy should work. The people of Myrtle Beach deserve open, transparent decision-making—not insider influence and backroom loyalty to private companies.

Council Members Took Money—and Opposed a Trial

Every council member who opposed a Shibumi Shade trial received campaign contributions from Lack’s Beach Service or its affiliated companies (source: SC State Ethics Commission):

❌ Opposed a Trial

These officials have a duty to protect public safety—not private profits. They failed. Bethune, Lowder, and Smith are up for reelection in November 2025. Voters can—and should—hold them accountable.

How You Can Help

  • Email Your Council Members
    Ask why Myrtle Beach refuses to allow a safer shade option used across the country. (Contact info above.)
  • Spread the Word
    Share this page with friends, family, neighbors—anyone who wants to use a Shibumi Shade during the summer at Myrtle Beach.
  • Vote for Change This November
    Bethune, Lowder, and Smith chose special interests over public safety. It’s time for new leadership.
  • Stay Informed
    Follow us for updates on future council votes and local advocacy efforts.

It’s Time for Common Sense

Families deserve the freedom to choose a safe, proven beach shade—just like they can on nearly every U.S. beach.

Myrtle Beach deserves better.