To stay safe during heat waves in Myrtle Beach, you should focus on keeping cool, staying hydrated, and monitoring for signs of heat-related illness. Local medical and public safety officials emphasize a few critical steps.
Limit Exposure and Stay Cool
Try to remain indoors during the hottest times of day, especially between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., when heat indices often exceed 100°F on the Grand Strand. If your home lacks air conditioning, spend time in public, air-conditioned locations such as malls, libraries, or cooling centers. When outdoors, wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothes, use sunscreen, and seek shaded areas frequently.​
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water regularly—at least 16–32 ounces each hour when outdoors—and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks, as these can worsen dehydration. A simple way to check hydration is by noting urine color: if it’s dark yellow, you likely need more fluids. Sports drinks can be useful when sweating heavily to replace salt and minerals lost through perspiration.​
Protect Vulnerable Individuals and Pets
Infants, older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses are more susceptible to heat stress; check on them frequently during heat advisories. Never leave children, pets, or elderly individuals in parked vehicles, even for a short time, as cabin temperatures can rise dangerously fast. Keep pets inside when possible, ensuring shaded outdoor spaces and continuous access to fresh water if they must stay outside.​
Recognize Heat Illness Symptoms
Learn to identify early warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, including dizziness, weakness, headache, confusion, rapid pulse, or lack of sweating. Move anyone showing these symptoms into a cooler environment and seek medical attention immediately.​
Adapt Beach and Outdoor Plans
At the beach, follow local flag warnings and swim near lifeguards. Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and take breaks from direct sun to avoid heat exhaustion and sunburn. Drink water consistently throughout your beach visit, and bring an umbrella or tent if you plan to stay for extended periods.​
By combining these precautions—cooling strategies, proper hydration, shade use, and community awareness—you can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illness while enjoying Myrtle Beach’s hot summer months safely.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.nmb.us/255/Heat-Protection)
[2](https://www.nmb.us/m/NewsFlash/Home/Detail/1292)
[3](https://www.facebook.com/groups/officialmyrtlebeach/posts/10162005961158533/)
[4](https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/extreme-heat-safety.html)
[5](https://www.keepingmyrtlebeachsafe.com/intro/keepingsafetips/beach-safety-tips/)
