Myrtle Beach SC (The Grand Strand)
Open to anyone who lives in the Myrtle Beach/Grand Strand area of South Carolina or those who visit regularly. If interest is great enough, possibly sponsor meet and greets.
- created by copnsc
Petition for a Beach
Return to DiscussionsI for one am saddened by news regarding the closing of any nude beach rather than the opening of new ones. Bird Island, located on the NC/SC state line, which is featured in the news article cited below was a beach which the anti-nudity laws were traditionally not enforced. I spent a very pleasant day, there, sunbathing and skinny dipping in the ocean. The beach was sparsely populated by nudists and textiles, alike. The textiles walking and bicycling by seemed not to notice our nudity.
I later learned that upon the complaint of a single individual, the county police were instructed to enforce an obscure state decency law.
Following this link will take you to the newspaper article which invites comments. Enough positive comments regarding nude/CO beaches could sway the press in our favor.
Think of this as a petition supporting Skinny Dipping. Last year there was a good deal of positive publicity in this area regarding the Record Skinny Dip.
Please click this link and make your comment.
https://www.wwaytv3.com/no_birthday_suits_just_bathing_suits_bird_island/04/2009/span
This last year I was watched by the Police when I was there. It was my third season at Bird Island. I kept a backpack near me and a swim suit. However, I had no problem although they watched me the whole LONG walk back. It is a sad situation and positive press would help. I hope it goes back this year the way things were. Friends of mine told me that they come by boat often but these were in a truck coming from the Sunset direction.
This last year I was watched by the Police when I was there. It was my third season at Bird Island. I kept a backpack near me and a swim suit. However, I had no problem although they watched me the whole LONG walk back. It is a sad situation and positive press would help. I hope it goes back this year the way things were. Friends of mine told me that they come by boat often but these were in a truck coming from the Sunset direction.
As you know, the dunes at Bird Island offer plenty of concealment for nude sunbathing without much chance of being bothered. However, it irks me to no end to have to slip into a bathing suit if I wish to take a dip in the ocean.
I took the time, last summer, to speak with a Code Enforcement Official from Sunset Beach (the ones that patrol on the ATVs). He stated that they have no concern with the bathers on Bird Island. Their turn around tracks can be clearly seen in the sand. He further stated that anti-nudity enforcement was likely to come from the County Police in boats.
I am not in the habit of resisting authority but I would like to see an end to this witch hunt on the beach. Bringing this issue to the forefront and influencing public opinion is the only option, I see.
From: Bob Morton, Exec. Dir. of NAC
Thank you Cheri. NAC has a considerable history with Bird Island and is in contact with regular users of the clothing-optional beach there. We had seen the "news" article on the web site of WWAY-TV back in April of last year, when it was first posted. I'm afraid there's little benefit to be gained at this point by making anonymous online responses to a sketchy online story that's three-quarters of a year old.
Of course, I was pleased when I recognized the source of the portion of NC law that you posted. You are correct in noting that a First Amendment challenge to the NC law would likely be fruitless.
I suspect you'll be hearing more from NAC about Bird Island in the not-too-distant future. Meanwhile, can you identify any additional aspects that should be considered? I welcome and solict thoughts and comments from Erich and Carolyn, as well.
Bob