Myrtle Beach Fire Department Opposes Wind-Shade Device Trial Run

City leaders consider allowing temporary use of wind-driven shading devices on beaches.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:57am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic beach umbrella object repeated in a tight grid pattern, utilizing flat, vibrant, and unnatural neon color palettes overlapping with heavy black photographic outlines to turn the everyday beach accessory into modern pop art.The debate over wind-driven shading devices on Myrtle Beach's shores highlights the ongoing tension between public safety and beachgoer preferences.Myrtle Beach Today

The Myrtle Beach Fire Department remains opposed to allowing a trial run of wind-driven shading devices on the city's beaches, despite Myrtle Beach leaders indicating a willingness to consider the idea. The city's current ordinance only permits umbrellas smaller than 7.5 feet in diameter during the peak summer season from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Why it matters

The debate over wind-driven shading devices highlights the tension between public safety concerns raised by first responders and the desire of some beachgoers to use these products. The outcome could set a precedent for other coastal communities considering similar policy changes.

The details

Under Myrtle Beach's current ordinance, non-umbrella shading devices, including tents under 12-by-12 feet, are permitted for nine months out of the year. However, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, only umbrellas smaller than 7 1/2 feet in diameter are allowed on the beach. The city council must vote to amend the ordinance even on a temporary basis to allow a trial run of wind-shade devices. The Myrtle Beach Fire Department has cited public safety concerns as a reason not to allow such devices on the beach.

  • Myrtle Beach's current ordinance has been in place since 2014.
  • The city council is considering a potential trial run of wind-shade devices on the beaches.

The players

Myrtle Beach Fire Department

The local fire department that has opposed allowing wind-driven shading devices on the city's beaches due to public safety concerns.

Shibumi

A North Carolina-based company that manufactures a popular wind-shade device, which is not currently allowed on Myrtle Beach's beaches during the peak summer season.

Dane Barnes

The founder of Shibumi, who spoke at a Beach Advisory Committee meeting about the desire of Myrtle Beach and Horry County residents to be able to use the company's wind-shade devices on the beach.

Brian Mitchell

A division chief with the Myrtle Beach Fire Department, who stated the department has not changed its stance on allowing wind-shade devices on the beaches.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The department hasn't changed their stance on one, either changing the ordinance or changing it to attempt a trial period.”

— Brian Mitchell, Division Chief, Myrtle Beach Fire Department

“There are well over 2,000 or more Myrtle Beach and Horry County residents who already own a Shibumi Shade, they would like to be able to use it their beach and not go to Georgetown in the summertime.”

— Dane Barnes, Founder, Shibumi

What’s next

The Myrtle Beach City Council must vote to amend the current ordinance, even on a temporary basis, to allow a trial run of wind-shade devices on the beaches.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the ongoing tension between public safety concerns raised by first responders and the desire of some beachgoers to use wind-driven shading devices. The outcome in Myrtle Beach could set a precedent for other coastal communities considering similar policy changes.