It’s Turtle Time!!

Today is National Sea Turtle Day, so to celebrate here are some facts and ways to protect sea turtles.

Loggerhead nesting season is in full swing! Each season, these turtles crawl onto the beach to lay their eggs. Females nest between 3 to 6 times in one season, and do not return for 2 to 4 years to repeat the cycle. The sustainability of nesting on Folly Beach depends on managing and protecting the nesting sites.

Here are some tips to help protect the baby turtles on Folly Beach:

1. No lights are allowed that illuminate the Front Beach between 10 pm and dawn from May 1st to October 31st.
2. Fill holes in the sand before you leave the beach.
3. Reduce trash that may entangle or be eaten by sea turtles.
4. Participate in coastal cleanups and reduce plastic use to keep our beaches and ocean clean.
5. Carry reusable water bottles and shopping bags.
6. Remove recreational beach equipment like chairs, umbrellas, and boats.
7. Do not disturb nesting turtles, nests, or hatchlings.

If you see any adult sea turtles or hatchlings, call (843)-588-2433 to report your sighting.