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The coastal waters of South Carolina are teeming with seashells. In fact, more than 700 species live in these waters. Common local shells include whelks, angel wings, arks, pen shells, augers, cockles, slipper shells, jingles, coquina, and olive shells. Starfish, sea urchins, and sand dollars also can be found on area beaches.
Sand dollars are an especially popular find. When these creatures are alive, they have a dark, fur-like covering. They turn white after they die, or when they wash up on the beach and the sun bleaches them out. Sand dollars are extremely fragile. Many souvenir shops sell sand dollars as well as post cards containing "The Legend of the Sand Dollar." Other seashells – both native and from other parts of the world – also are sold locally.
Searching for fossils is another popular pastime. The most common fossils found on area beaches are sharks teeth, which are usually black or dark brown. Fossilized sharks teeth are millions of years old. Vacationers often purchase necklaces and other jewelry made with sharks teeth. Other fossils found in the area include animal bones, horses' teeth, and fossilized shells.
The best times to look for shells and fossils are on an outgoing tide,
during a new or full moon, and after a storm. Tide charts and
information about moon phases can be found on the Myrtle Beach Area
Chamber of Commerce Web site in the
Weather /
Climate section.
Ocean Water
The health and safety of residents and visitors is of the highest importance to each of the local governments in the Myrtle Beach area. To ensure that our beach water is clean and safe, a water-monitoring program is in place. The program meets Environmental Protection Agency standards, established in cooperation with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. The surf is tested regularly at 20 sites along the coastline. If contaminants are detected, a swimming advisory is posted in the affected area. The possibility of pollutants in ocean water is greatest after a heavy rain, when runoff from lawns and streets may flush out trash, fertilizer, or pesticides. Swimming immediately after a rainstorm or in water discharging from storm drainage pipes should be avoided. Swimming in contaminated water may result in minor illnesses such as sore throats or diarrhea. Did You Know? During the summer months, the ocean water along the Grand Strand is about 20 degrees F warmer than the ocean water along New York beaches. Over the last 30 years, the lowest temperature Grand Strand ocean water has reached is 47 degrees F (in January) and the highest is 88 degrees F (in July). Temperatures along the southern coast are usually cooler than inland areas during the summer because of the sea breeze. Annual Weather Statistical Averages (Water and air temperatures based on 30 years of data from the S.C. State Climatology Office; in degrees Fahrenheit)
____________________ Source: Myrtle Beach Chamber Chamber of Commerce
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