If you're building a sand castle in North Myrtle Beach, please fill in the moat before you leave.
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NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AP) -- If you're building a sand castle in North Myrtle Beach, please fill in the moat before you leave.
The Sun News of Myrtle Beach reports a new city ordinance prohibits people from digging holes or trenches on the beach more than a foot deep and failing to refill them when they leave.
City officials say holes can cause injuries if people walk into them. They can also collapse on visitors, trap nesting sea turtles or damage emergency vehicles.
The city initially will work to educate people about the problem but the ordinance also carries a $100 fine for violations. City spokesman Pat Dowling says officials have been getting complaints about the size of holes left on the beach.
In North Carolina, nearby Holden Beach and Oak Island have similar laws.
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