Technology Would Inform Beach Goers

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David Hucks
David Huckshttps://myrtlebeachsc.com
David Hucks is a 12th generation descendant of the area we now call Myrtle Beach, S.C. David attended Coastal Carolina University and like most of his family, has never left the area. David is the lead journalist at MyrtleBeachSC.com

 

Technology Gives Latest Bacteria Readings

A new technology would give beach goers instant bacteria readings from the most recent Department of Health and Environmental Control testings. Using their cell phones tourists and locals could  immediately determine the latest beach bacteria readings as they arrive on the beach.   The technology is already being used by the city of Myrtle Beach to charge for parking in the Golden Mile sections of Myrtle Beach.   Sadly,  the city’s paid parking technology requires downloading an app and also paying a usage fee.

This  technology, however,  would not require those expensive add ons.

Beach goers could simply use their cell phones to determine the latest bacteria readings at any area that drained from the land to the Ocean.  Currently there are eight such locations in ten mile oceanfront beach of Myrtle Beach.

Beacon Device Could Be Placed Here
DHEC  ADVISORY SIGN

MONITORING BEACONS COULD BE PLACED DIRECTLY ON THESE SIGNS

This physical web technology gives latest bacteria readings directly from the Department of Health And Environmental Control Website.

The DHEC beacon device could actually be placed directly on these signs at each location.   Tourists and locals could then get a reading of the Department Of Health And Environmental Control’s last bacteria reading at this location.   Guests would then know if it was safe for their children to swim in the oceans surrounding these drainage locations.

The devices are very inexpensive.   Studies show a battery for the device could last up to 5 years without needing a change or charge.  All a tourist or local would need to get the most recent reading is his or her cell phone.  The device simply sends the beach goer directly to the DHEC site with the location’s latest bacteria reading.

Because this is a public health safety issue,  we reached out to  Brad Dean,  Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce President, John Pedersen,  City Manager of Myrtle Beach and Jim Beasley, Media Relations Director for DHEC for a response.

As of our publish date,  none have yet responded.

As the city of Myrtle Beach is already familiar with the technology,  local residents have informed us they believe this would be ideal for the health and safety of their families while at the beach.

Over 63 people reported illnesses at the beach this Summer 2016.   Tourists continue to report ongoing issues as the below did just yesterday:

sick-tourist-bacteria

A device like this,  placed at monitoring areas would ensure that no such reports as the above would be necessary moving forward because the technology gives latest bacteria readings, allowing guests to opt out of swimming at that location entirely if the readings are too high.

Obviously, following the advice of the Coastal Conservation League’s Nancy Cave,  and removing the drainage pipes from the beach would be the best possible remedy.  However,  as we reported yesterday,  Myrtle Beach City Council just gave 1st reading to a new ordinance that would allow Burroughs And Chapin corporation a pollution exemption moving forward for drainage onto the beach at 24th Avenue North.

Burroughs and Chapin Corporation owns Broadway at the Beach,  Coastal Grand Mall, and Barefoot Landing.

 

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