Category: Beach

Beach Management Update

On By SIPOAIn Beach, Beach Projects, Engineering, Environmental, Get the Scoop, GOMC

Next month, SIPOA will begin a sand scraping project to relocate sand from an area of the beach with an abundant sand supply to an area of the beach with a diminished sand supply.

150,000 cubic yards of sand will be moved from the intertidal beach in the area in front of Boardwalk 1 to the area between Boardwalks 7 and 9. Many residents have noticed the erosion at the end of Boardwalk 9 and the recently closed Boardwalk 7. This project will rebuild the dry sand beach in these areas and in front of the seawall.

If you would like to know more about this project and/or other beach management-related topics, please plan to attend the next Get the Scoop Presentation on September 14th at 3:00 PM at Oyster Catcher Community Center. Patrick Barrineau (Coastal Science & Engineering) and I will present on the sand scraping project. They will also provide an update on the status of the future Captain Sams Inlet Relocation project.

Beneath the Surface – Shoreline Focus

On By SIPOAIn Beach, Beach Projects, Engineering, GOMC, Infrastructure

COMMUNITY EDUCATION – SIPOA INFRASTRUCTURE

SIPOA maintains a wide range of infrastructure on the island including stormwater, roads, beaches, and lakes. In an effort to help educate residents on how SIPOA manages this infrastructure, we have created an Infrastructure Master Plan. This page serves as a dashboard that outlines SIPOA’s infrastructure management practices. Each month we will highlight a different piece of the Infrastructure Master Plan.

Managing Seabrook Island’s Dynamic Shoreline

When Seabrook Island was developed in the 1970’s, the beach looked very different than it does today. Several unsuccessful shoreline management strategies were implemented before finally establishing stability through an innovative inlet relocation program.

The history of Seabrook Island’s Shoreline Management Program is outlined here.

FUN FACT: Did you know the 2026 sand scraping project will mark the 12th time SIPOA has completed the work?

Boardwalk 9 Erosion & Planned Sand Relocation Project

On By SIPOAIn Beach, Beach Projects, Boardwalks, Engineering

Many residents have noticed the erosion that has occurred at Boardwalk 9. In the past several years, erosion has shortened the length of this boardwalk and caused some significant changes to the beach in this area. Currently, the boardwalk is open and accessible, but residents access the beach differently than they have in the past, as shown in the attached photo.

There are plans to improve the condition of the beach in this area. SIPOA plans to conduct a sand scraping project to relocate 150,000 cubic yards of sand along Seabrook Island’s shoreline. The sand scraping permit requires that this work be completed between October 1 and December 31 to avoid impacts to beach habitat. Beginning in October 2026, sand will be collected from the intertidal beach in the area in front of Boardwalk 1, and hauled by truck along the beach to be placed in the area in front of Boardwalk 9. Enough sand will be relocated to create a 100 foot-wide dry sand beach in front of Boardwalk 9. SIPOA is also working to obtain permits to repair the old seawall that has become exposed in this area. If permits are received prior to October 1, the seawall repair may also be completed in 2026.

SIPOA regularly monitors the condition of the Seabrook Island shoreline, and plans for shoreline rehabilitation projects such as these in the annual capital budget. SIPOA also maintains a reserve fund for beach repair and maintenance that can be used to respond to storm damage or other emergencies.

We appreciate your patience as we work to keep the Seabrook Island shoreline in great condition.

Vote Seabrook Island for Best Restored Beach

On By SIPOAIn Beach, SIPOA

The American Shore & Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. To celebrate, they are having a vote to determine the best restored beach among all of the beaches who have received the award. Seabrook Island was awarded the best restored beach in 2016.

For decades, ASBPA has celebrated our nation’s restored beaches to build awareness of their value. The annual Best Restored Beach award honors coastal communities that are both relatively new to the process and those with a long history of successful renourishment projects. In 2023, Coney Island, New York celebrated 100 years of beach nourishment! In many cases, the restoration process is so well established that beachgoers don’t realize they are enjoying a restored beach. In our 100th year, we are hosting a fun competition and invite you to vote for your favorite ASBPA Best Restored Beach. The “Best of the Best” restored beaches will be recognized at our National Coastal Conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey, from October 5-8, 2026.