Category: Activities
Two New Fishing Areas Are Officially Open!
We officially celebrated the grand opening of two new fishing areas along the Marsh to Breakers Trail!
Community members gathered at the Oyster Catcher Community Center before taking a short walk together to the new fishing areas, located along the wooded side of the trail.
Upon arrival, we marked the occasion with a ribbon cutting and raised a glass to these wonderful new additions to our community!
Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate. We hope residents enjoy these new fishing spots for years to come!
New Places to Fish on Seabrook Island
Join us as we celebrate the grand opening of two new fishing areas on the Marsh to Breakers Trail!
We’ll meet at 3:00 PM at the Oyster Catcher Community Center and take a short walk together to the new fishing areas, located along the wooded side of the Marsh to Breakers Trail.
Once we arrive, we’ll raise a glass of champagne and toast to these wonderful new additions to our community!
Come enjoy the walk, check out the new fishing spots, and celebrate with your neighbors.
We hope to see you there!
4th of July Recap – 2026
Flags, Friends & Fun: Our All-Island Fourth of July Parade
Every year as Independence Day approaches, a special energy fills the air across Seabrook Island. Neighbors begin planning their decorations, water guns come out of storage, and people mark their calendars for one of the most anticipated events on the island: the annual Fourth of July Parade. This all-island celebration brings Property Owners and their guests together in a joyful, patriotic display that has become a true tradition for so many.
This year, as the nation marked America’s 250th birthday, Seabrookers came out in a big way. The parade was noticeably bigger and carried even more energy. People were more creative than ever, and the variety of decorations and vehicles was the greatest we have seen – bike riders, low-speed vehicles, pickup trucks, classic cars, and more all joined the fun. From enthusiastic riders leading the way to groups of every age traveling the route, nearly the entire community took part. Spectators lined Seabrook Island Road at drive-ways, intersections, and boardwalks. They set up chairs, tables, and coolers along the way, turning the morning into a lively neighborhood block party on wheels. Many look forward to being on Seabrook Island specifically for this event, returning year after year to create new memories.
The parade thoughtfully offers both a dry section and a wet section, so everyone can take part in the way that suits them best. Once the transition to the water party begins, smiles, laughter, and good-natured splashing fill the air. Crowds along the route cheer enthusiastically, creating an unmistakable sense of shared celebration that ripples from one end of the island to the other.
For those who prefer a calmer experience, the dry viewing area at the Lake House has become an increasingly popular option each year. Located in a comfortable grassy space, it offers a wonderful way to enjoy the full parade without stepping into the fray. It is a growing gathering spot where neighbors come together to share the excitement, and take in the pageantry in a more relaxed setting. Many appreciate having this choice, and this year we saw even more people return to the Lake House to enjoy this option.
More than just a parade, this morning has become a wonderful expression of Seabrook Island’s community spirit. It’s an occasion when the whole island feels connected, owners and guests, people of every age, dry and thoroughly soaked, united in celebrating our nation’s birthday in the most Seabrook way possible.
As we start planning for next year, whether you plan to ride, settle into the dry viewing area at the Lake House, or stand along the route with a cold drink and a big smile, this is an event most of us look forward to every year. It is a highlight of island life, a tradition that strengthens our sense of belonging, and a joyful reminder of what makes Seabrook Island such a special place to call home.
We look forward to seeing you all next year.
Submitted by Michelle Wiedemuth, Amenities & Activities Committee Chair
Get the Scoop – Beach Management
Steve Hirsch (SIPOA) and Patrick Barrineau (Coastal Science & Engineering) will present on the planned sand scraping project that will take place in October 2026.
They will also provide an update on the status of the future Captain Sams Inlet Relocation project.
When: Monday, September 14, 2026
Where: New Location: Oyster Catcher Community Center
Zoom link
Time: 3:00pm
Aloha, Seabrook!
Lei’d Back & Loving it: The 2026 Property Owners Luau
The Seabrook Island Property Owners Luau has blossomed into one of our community’s cherished traditions. What started as a welcoming gathering for new residents has grown into a beloved annual celebration open to all Property Owners 21 and older. Now part of SIPOA’s signature events alongside the Oyster Roast, July 4th festivities, and Tree Lighting, the Luau beautifully captures the spirit of aloha right here on our island, fostering friendships, creating memories, and reminding us why we love calling Seabrook Island home.
Last year’s expanded Luau on the Lake House Lawn set a joyful new standard, drawing over 600 attendees. This year’s event on Saturday, May 23, carried forward that magic and made it even more special. From 4:00-7:00pm, the lawn came alive with the irresistible aroma of slow-roasted pork, the upbeat sounds of Tommy Brown Jr. and the Chucktown Players, and the easy flow of complimentary beer and wine. Property Owners arrived in colorful Hawaiian-inspired apparel, many sporting leis, their faces lit with smiles as they reconnected with old friends and welcomed new neighbors.
The 2026 Luau felt especially warm and vibrant. Perfect evening weather and the natural beauty of the Lake House setting created an unforgettable backdrop for laughter, great conversations, and that wonderful sense of belonging. Many attendees shared how much they truly appreciated the thoughtful touches. It was more than just a party, it was a heartfelt reminder of the strong community bonds that make Seabrook Island so unique.
A big mahalo to Nic Porter, Lake House Director; Hannah Rice, Lake House Manager, the Amenities & Activities committee, Lake House and Maintenance staff for serving, and all the dedicated volunteers whose hard work behind the scenes brought this special evening to life. Events like the Property Owners Luau are the heart of our community, and we can’t wait to gather again next year.
Here’s to many more summers filled with music, good food, and the joy of being together!
A special thank you to Alan & Sharlee Fink, Jeff Davis and the Seabrook Island Photography Club for these incredible photos!
Submitted by Michelle Wiedemuth, Amenities & Activities Chair
Be Water Wise
Making a Splash in Water Safety for Johns Island Kids
For 16 years, the Be Water Wise swim program – run by Waterproof Inc., has been opening the world of water to children from Johns Island. Since 2010, this free program has provided essential swim lessons and water safety training to local first-graders who might otherwise never learn how to swim. This May, seventy enthusiastic first-graders from Angel Oak Elementary School joined the 2026 swim camp at the SIPOA outdoor pool, discovering the joy and life-saving skills of swimming.
Despite unseasonably cold weather that limited the program to five training days instead of nine, the children made remarkable progress. Each day began with water safety instruction, followed by one-on-one coaching from dedicated volunteers. Many kids arrived having never been in a pool before, some hesitant even to get their faces wet. Through patient encouragement, they learned skills like “wall walking” around the pool and exiting unassisted. The shallow ends of Seabrook’s pool proved perfect for teaching small groups safely, while the nearby playground offered a fun waiting area.
This year, twenty certified coaches and five deck staff (including two Spanish interpreters) brought warmth and expertise to the program. All volunteers complete rigorous training, including CPR/AED certification, age-specific swim instruction, and youth protection courses. Many return year after year, describing the experience as incredibly rewarding. While cold water presented a challenge, the program’s impact remains powerful: learning to swim dramatically reduces drowning risk, and several past participants have returned years later to thank their coaches.
The partnership with SIPOA provides unique advantages: a safe, accessible teaching environment and strong community support that would be difficult to replicate elsewhere. As Waterproof Inc. looks ahead, the goal remains simple: continue serving local children for as long as the need exists. With SIPOA’s willingness to extend pool access and potential new facilities on Johns Island on the horizon, the future of Be Water Wise shines bright.
A heartfelt thank you to all the Seabrook Island volunteers, SIPOA staff, and community members who make this life-saving program possible. Together, we’re not just teaching children how to swim, we’re building confidence, creating opportunities, and keeping our Lowcountry kids safer for years to come.
Thank you to Maureen Healy and the Seabrook Island Photography Club for photos.
4th of July Events – 2026
DAY 1 | Friday, July 3
4th of July Run/Walk
- Start/Finish at the Lake House
- 8:00am | 3.4 mile course
- Cost to run/walk is $30
- Event shirts are limited
- Packet pickup on Wednesday, July 1 and Thursday, July 2
Fireworks
- Dusk | Seabrook Island Club Driving Range
- Rain Date | Sunday, July 5
- Courtesy of the Town of Seabrook Island
DAY 2 | Saturday, July 4
4th of July Parade
- Set up by 9:00am | Parade begins at 9:30am
- Bicycle riders line up in FRONT of parade
- All truck participants must stay INSIDE the bed of the truck at all times. Tailgate must be closed.
- Any vehicle allowed on Seabrook Island roads and can maintain a speed of 10 mph can participate.
- Do not throw candy/items from vehicles.
- Two Sections:
- Dry section will set up at Lake House front lawn
- Wet section will set up in the Seabrook Island Village area
After-Parade FUN!
- 10:30am – 12:30pm | Lake House front lawn
- Jump Castle
- Waterslide
- Giant bubbles
- Face painting
Property Owners Luau 2026
Island Luau Returns to Seabrook Island
EVENT DETAILS
- Date: Saturday, May 23
- Time: 4:00 – 7:00pm
- Food: 4:30 – 6:00pm
- Details: Pig Roast, Live music from Tommy Brown Jr. and the Chucktown Players, Beer and Wine
- Eligibility: Property Owners Only (21+)
- No RSVP required
Join us for an evening of island-style fun as we kick off the summer season at Seabrook Island’s annual Property Owners Luau on Saturday, May 23, from 4:00–7:00 PM.
This year’s Luau will include a traditional pig roast, live music, and beer and wine. It’s the perfect setting to reconnect with neighbors, relax, and enjoy a beautiful evening on the island as we celebrate the start of the season.
Property owners are encouraged to come ready to enjoy good food, great music, and a lively community atmosphere
Amenities & Activities Committee Update 2026
Dear Seabrook Island Property Owners,
As we move into Spring 2026, I’m pleased to provide this update on the Amenities and Activities Committee’s accomplishments from last year and our exciting goals for the year ahead. Our committee remains dedicated to enhancing the social, recreational, and wellness opportunities that make Seabrook Island such a vibrant place to live, aligning with SIPOA’s mission to preserve property values and improve quality of life for all Property Owners.
Accomplishments in 2025 – 2025 was a transformative year for the committee, building on our rebranding from the Activities Committee to the Amenities & Activities Committee in early 2025. This change expanded our scope to better focus on reviewing, promoting, and improving the island’s many amenities, over 20 in total, from facilities like the Lake House to natural spaces such as trails and waterways.
Key highlights include:
- Trail Enhancements: We completed and rebranded the Lake House Fitness Trail, adding outdoor workout stations to promote fitness and wellness while enjoying the island’s natural beauty. Additionally, the Marsh to Breakers Trail was finished, providing a scenic path that connects key areas and encourages greater exploration of our conserved lands.
- New Amenities Guide: The committee invested significant time in creating the “Island Life”, a comprehensive new SIPOA Amenities and Activities guide. This resource details our trails, observation areas, water access points, and more, helping Property Owners discover and utilize these assets to foster a stronger sense of community.
- Events and Programming: We coordinated four successful all-island events, including the Memorial Day Luau on the Lake House lawn, which welcomed new Property Owners with a pig roast and live music. Our “Get the Scoop” series continued with sessions on topics like the Property Owner Portal and “Who Does What?” featuring TOSI, SIPOA, and SIC representatives.
These efforts only increased awareness and usage of existing amenities, but also strengthened community bonds through inclusive programming.
Welcomed Two New Lake House Staff Members – We are thrilled to welcome two new team members to the Lake House staff: Hannah Rice and Whitney Benson. Their energy and expertise will greatly support our events, facility operations, and community engagement efforts moving forward.
Goals for 2026 – Looking forward, our focus is on building upon these foundations through targeted work groups and strategic initiatives outlined in SIPOA’s 2026-27 Strategic Plan. We’ll continue prioritizing cost-effective improvements, expanded programing, and collaboration to enhance engagement and quality of life.
Work Group Priorities:
- Trails & Observation Areas: Assess and prioritize enhancements for remaining trails. We will explore the possibility of incorporating additional paths into our trail system, as well as enhancing various nature viewing-observation areas. We’ll explore feasibility for an interconnected island trail system, potentially linking the Lake House to the beach.
- Water Access: Partner with the General Operations and Maintenance Committee (GOMC) to improve the kayak launch, Crab Dock, and fishing areas across SIPOA-owned bridges, lakes, ponds, and marsh locations. We’ll look to identify additional sites to expand opportunities for fishing and kayaking.
Amenity Expansion & Programming – Continue evaluating underutilized assets, with a prioritized multi-year plan based on costs, benefits, and Property Owner feedback. This includes brainstorming sponsored activities to boost awareness and utilization, such as guided nature walks and wellness events.
Events & Collaboration – Coordinate our four annual all-island events (Oyster Roast, Luau, July 4th, and Thanksgiving Week) with the Lake House staff. We’ll also partner with other SIPOA committees for relevant “Get the Scoop” programs and assist with special interest groups with their requests. This year, we’re excited to collaborate with the Seabrook Island Green Space Conservancy and the Safety and Security Committee for an Earth Day-inspired event – the Tour de Greenspace on Sunday, April 26th. This family-friendly event highlights bike safety and the importance of protecting our conserved green spaces.
Master Plan Support – Collaborate with the SIPOA arm of the Master Plan Committee on concepts for the Lake House, Oyster Catcher Community Center, and other amenities ensuring phased improvements align with community needs.
Mark your calendars…
- April 26 – Tour de Green Space hosted by the Seabrook Island Green Space Conservancy (SIGSC) with the Safety and Security Committee. Begin with a brief bike safety overview, then enjoy a self-guided, family-friendly ride through Seabrook Island’s conserved green spaces while brushing up on bike safety along the way.
- May 11 – Get the Scoop: Meet the Executive Director plus a brief discussion on Master Plan projects at the Lake House, Live Oak Hall; 4:00pm.
- May 23 – Luau to welcome new Property Owners and celebrate the beginning of Summer. This is an all-island event for Seabrook Island Property Owners. Event details – Location: Lake House Lawn; Time: 4:00 – 7:00pm; Pig roast; Live music.
Thank you for your support as we work to make Seabrook Island even more enjoyable. Let’s make 2026 a year of continued growth and connection!
Amenities & Activities members: Jean Daly, Bradford Hood, Heather Howard-Haffey, Paula McGill, Sarah Normandia, Joseph Ritchie, Beth Wright, Michelle Wiedemuth (Chair), Richie Bavasso (Vice Chair)
Submitted by Michelle Wiedemuth, Amenities & Activities Chair