Myrtle Beach Reevaluating Vehicle Policies on City Beaches
Nearly a month ago, 66-year-old nurse Sandra “Sandy” Schultz-Peters was struck and killed by a Horry County Police Department full-sized pickup truck while enjoying an afternoon at the beach. In response to this tragic incident, city officials have announced plans to add exterior cameras and object detection sensors to the front of beach patrol trucks, complementing devices already installed on the back. These measures aim to prevent future accidents and enhance beach safety.
Within city limits, officials will continue to use UTVs, four-wheelers, and compact pickup trucks like Ford Rangers and Chevrolet Colorados during the daytime and congested hours. These vehicles are essential for beach public safety crews, as they carry lifesaving equipment required by the United States Lifesaving Association, which can only fit on trucks.
Safety at Work on the Sands of North Myrtle Beach
Monty Reed, manager of North Myrtle Beach’s beach patrol unit, highlighted the necessity of full-sized vehicles for his team’s operations. Covering a nine-mile radius in two-person shifts over 12-hour workdays, the patrol uses Ford F-150s and Toyota Tacomas to monitor swimmers in danger, animals in the water, and other hazards. While ATVs are frequently used, the full-sized vehicles serve as “mobile command centers,” offering enough space for lifesaving equipment.
Reed also noted that vehicles now ride with emergency lights on while on the beach, and officials are exploring additional camera options to further enhance safety.
Beachgoers’ Reactions to Reduced Truck Presence
In Horry County, beachgoers have expressed concerns about trucks driving along the shores, especially after Schultz-Peters’ death. Many visitors appreciate the visible changes, such as fewer trucks and more safety cones. Myrtle Beach resident Darrell Banks suggested that vehicles should use lights or horns to alert people when accessing the beach. Vacationer Audrey Heath welcomed the cones, noting that they help guide drivers and enhance beachgoer safety.
Surfside Beach Reviewing Patrol Guidelines
Surfside Beach officials are also reviewing their patrol protocols in light of Schultz-Peters’ death. They plan to assess and improve their safety measures over the next few weeks. Surfside Beach Mayor Robert Krouse explained that their beach patrol primarily uses side-by-side ATVs for routine patrols, reserving pickup trucks for specific tasks.
The ocean rescue team monitors the beach from the Holiday Inn on 16th Avenue North to Melody Lane, using emergency vehicle access roads marked with cones, signs, and paint to keep beachgoers safe. These measures aim to minimize risks and ensure the safety of both visitors and patrol officers.
Wrongful Death Suit Filed After Schultz-Peters’ Death
A wrongful death complaint filed on June 28 in Horry County Common Pleas Court details the harrowing final moments of Schultz-Peters’ life. Her estate is suing the Horry County Police Department for negligence and lax supervision. The lawsuit also alleges that Lance Cpl. Julian “Duke” Brown, the officer involved in the incident, had previously run over beach chairs and personal belongings multiple times before the fatal accident.
Attorney W. Coleman Lawrimore emphasized that the Beach Patrol’s tolerance for such incidents should be zero, calling for immediate and effective solutions to prevent any chance of similar occurrences in the future. This lawsuit highlights the need for stricter protocols and better supervision to ensure the safety of beachgoers.
By addressing these issues and implementing the proposed changes, Horry County aims to create a safer environment for everyone enjoying the beautiful beaches. The community’s proactive response to this tragedy demonstrates a commitment to preventing future accidents and protecting the well-being of all beach visitors.
