5th St. E. (TRI-063A)

Folly Beach, South Carolina
Managed by Charleston Waterkeeper

Photo by Doug Kerr

Folly Beach is a 6-mile stretch of sandy beach that locals call the “Edge of America.” It’s the perfect place if you’re looking for a laidback, rustic, surfer-friendly beach experience. Beach access is made easy by private lots and street parking—just make sure all four tires are off the road. The Folly Beach County Park at the Southern tip of the island was recently reopened after having been closed because of heavy erosion. Dogs must be leashed at all times and are not allowed on the beach from 10am-6pm from May 1 to September 30. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer in the swimming zone (2nd St. E to 3rd St. W). From May 15 to Sept. 15 surfing is not allowed from 10am-6pm in the swimming zone. Surfing is always prohibited 200’ from the fishing pier. For more information visit www.cityoffollybeach.com.

If you're interested in helping keep Folly beautiful and litter-free, join the Charleston Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation in one of their regular beach sweeps, listed online at http://charleston.surfrider.org/calendar/.

WATER QUALITY
  • Passed water quality tests at least 95% of the time
  • Historical Status
  • This status is based on the latest sample, taken on . Charleston Waterkeeper updates the status of this beach as soon as test results become available. These results were posted to Swim Guide on at
For water quality icon legend, click:   
CURRENT WEATHER
24°C
Mostly clear
  • Report Pollution
MONITORING FREQUENCY

is sampled bi-weekly from 1 May to 31 October

SOURCE INFORMATION

Through its Beach Monitoring Program, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) monitors the level of enterococcus bacteria at 122 sites along South Carolina’s coast. Testing is conducted during the beach season from May 15th to October 15th. Monitoring levels of enterococcus bacteria is the best way to determine whether disease-causing pathogens may be present in ocean water.

DHEC monitors 27 sites at our local beaches (Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Folly Beach, Kiawah, and Seabrook). Monitoring sites are located near public access points to ensure the public’s safety. DHEC monitors our local beaches twice a month. When sample results are published on the Program’s website, Charleston Waterkeeper updates Swim Guide.

A “Green” site = test result of 103 MPN/100 mL or lower OR a test result between 104 and 500 MPN/100 mL followed by a test result the next day of LESS than 104 MPN/100 mL

A “Red” site = a test result of 500 MPN/100 mL or higher OR a test result between 104 and 500 MPN/100 mL followed by a test result the next day of 104 MPN/100 mL or GREATER

A “Gray” site = no test result

WATER QUALITY GRAPH

5th St. E. (TRI-063A)

Folly Beach, South Carolina
Managed by Charleston Waterkeeper
WATER QUALITY
  • Passed water quality tests at least 95% of the time
  • Historical Status
  • This status is based on the latest sample, taken on . Charleston Waterkeeper updates the status of this beach as soon as test results become available. These results were posted to Swim Guide on at
For water quality icon legend, click:   
CURRENT WEATHER
24°C
Mostly clear

Photo by Doug Kerr

Folly Beach is a 6-mile stretch of sandy beach that locals call the “Edge of America.” It’s the perfect place if you’re looking for a laidback, rustic, surfer-friendly beach experience. Beach access is made easy by private lots and street parking—just make sure all four tires are off the road. The Folly Beach County Park at the Southern tip of the island was recently reopened after having been closed because of heavy erosion. Dogs must be leashed at all times and are not allowed on the beach from 10am-6pm from May 1 to September 30. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer in the swimming zone (2nd St. E to 3rd St. W). From May 15 to Sept. 15 surfing is not allowed from 10am-6pm in the swimming zone. Surfing is always prohibited 200’ from the fishing pier. For more information visit www.cityoffollybeach.com.

If you're interested in helping keep Folly beautiful and litter-free, join the Charleston Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation in one of their regular beach sweeps, listed online at http://charleston.surfrider.org/calendar/.

  • Report Pollution
MONITORING FREQUENCY

is sampled bi-weekly from 1 May to 31 October

SOURCE INFORMATION

Through its Beach Monitoring Program, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) monitors the level of enterococcus bacteria at 122 sites along South Carolina’s coast. Testing is conducted during the beach season from May 15th to October 15th. Monitoring levels of enterococcus bacteria is the best way to determine whether disease-causing pathogens may be present in ocean water.

DHEC monitors 27 sites at our local beaches (Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Folly Beach, Kiawah, and Seabrook). Monitoring sites are located near public access points to ensure the public’s safety. DHEC monitors our local beaches twice a month. When sample results are published on the Program’s website, Charleston Waterkeeper updates Swim Guide.

A “Green” site = test result of 103 MPN/100 mL or lower OR a test result between 104 and 500 MPN/100 mL followed by a test result the next day of LESS than 104 MPN/100 mL

A “Red” site = a test result of 500 MPN/100 mL or higher OR a test result between 104 and 500 MPN/100 mL followed by a test result the next day of 104 MPN/100 mL or GREATER

A “Gray” site = no test result

WATER QUALITY GRAPH



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