A day at the beach under the hot summer sun is PERFECT.
You can make it even more so with the addition of a beach umbrella to your vacation kit. But don't worry about acquiring your own — Myrtle Beach has several options for you to rent an umbrella and/or beach chair virtually out the back door of your hotel or condo.
Up and down the Grand Strand, you'll find lifeguard stands where trained lifeguards operate in a dual role to rent umbrellas and beach chairs to guests. The lifeguards are also responsible for beach cleanliness and safety, and any other issues that come up on the beach, such as reuniting lost children with their parents. Generally, it will cost you $30 per day for an umbrella and two chairs, and an additional $5 five for each extra chair.
Beach umbrella/chair rental is available seven days a week from March to October, rain or shine.
Lifeguards set up the chairs and umbrellas at the high water line each morning by 9 am and put them away at 5 pm. They generally accept both cash and credit/debit cards. Keep in mind that weekly rental may require full payment up front.
A few options for Myrtle Beach area umbrella rentals:
* Lack's Beach Service, established in 1974, is the largest beach service in Myrtle Beach, covering about 9 miles. Not only does Lack's rent the beach furniture, the company makes it, too!
* John's Beach Service provides lifeguards to over 4 miles of sand in the heart of Myrtle Beach, and has since 1943.
Since 2006, the City of North Myrtle Beach has provided its own beach umbrella and chair rental service separate from its beach patrols.
If you choose to bring your own beach umbrella and chairs, keep in mind that you can't place them in front of the lifeguard-established line of umbrellas. This is to ensure that lifeguards have a clear line of sight at all times. You are, however, free to move your chairs toward the water, then head back to your umbrella when you want to take a break in the shade.
(posted 3/20/14)
