Spinal Decompression Therapy in Pawley's Island, SC

FILE - Rainbow in Pawleys Island after Hurricane Ian Sept. 30, 2022 (Credit: Emily Mayes)

GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — Pawleys Island has been named the "Best Beach in South Carolina" for the second time, according to the venerable USA Today/10Best Readers' Choice poll.

Furthermore, Litchfield Beach placed number three and Huntington Beach was placed at number four.

There were 17 South Carolina nominees in the running.

Local officials spoke on how beneficial this ranking is for the tourism industry, with state officials estimating a $300 million economic impact for Georgetown County.

I couldn’t be more excited about this news,” said Mark A. Stevens, director of tourism development for the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce. “Pawleys Island topping the list for the Best Beach in South Carolina once again is wonderful, but it’s made even more sweet with Litchfield Beach and Huntington Beach State Park also finishing in the Top 4. Clearly the Hammock Coast’s beaches are beloved by residents and vacationers. Our beaches are adored for their pristine shores and mild crowds, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

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Beth Stedman, the Chamber’s president and CEO, emphasized how you "don't have to be the biggest to be the best."

We love to say we are comfortably nestled between two of the biggest tourism meccas in South Carolina – Myrtle Beach to the north and Charleston to the south, but we love being our own unique brand," he said. “The natural beauty of our area and its history bring visitors here throughout the year and they return again and again. The majesty of our area, with tens of thousands of acres preserved and protected, sets it apart from many other coastal regions.

The judges for USA Today who selected the 17 beaches to compete for "Best Beach in South Carolina" were Jamie Davis Smith, Marla Cimini and Catherine Smith.

They all have shared interests in travelling, writing and adventures.

Locations on South Carolina’s Hammock Coast have been featured in other USA Today/10Best contests such as Huntington Beach State Park, Brookgreen Gardens, Georgetown and Caledonia Golf and Fish Club.

GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — (Update) The short-term swim ban affecting sections of Pawley's Island and Debordieu Beach has been lifted as of Monday morning, according to the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services.

(Original story) The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) has issued a short-term swimming advisory.

Officials said this advisory is for water at Pawleys Island near the access point at Hazard St (station WAC-045A) in Georgetown County. They added that it's not a beach closing and this doesn't affect the entire beach.

In a release, the SCDES said:

Bacteria levels that are above state and federal standards have been detected in this area of water, and swimming is not advised in the area until bacteria levels return to normal. It’s safe to wade, collect shells and fish within this swimming advisory area. However, it’s advised that people entering the water in this area refrain from swallowing it, and that people with open wounds or compromised immune systems avoid contact with the water.

The SCDES tests water quality along ocean fronts in compliance with federal and state laws.

They said the water is tested for the enterococci bacteria, which are naturally found in warm-blooded animals, including humans. They added that high levels of this bacteria can cause illnesses such as gastrointestinal problems or skin infections.

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They said that short-term swimming advisories typically last for a few days and are lifted once more sampling shows normal bacteria levels.

Go here for more information on recent water sampling.

PAWLEYS ISLAND — Michael Van Arsdel hasn’t given up hope that his father, who disappeared while sailing on the Waccamaw River last week, is safe.

Kerry Van Arsdel, a 66-year-old Indiana resident, was last seen May 19. He departed from The Reserve Marina, but his boat was found unmanned near Butler Island on May 22, miles from the docks.

His phone, wallet, ID cards, tablet and medication were found inside the boat. There was no sign of a struggle, according to a report from the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office.

“The situation is very, very unusual for him. I mean, it's not like him to be out like that,” Michael Van Arsdel said. “But we're just hoping for the best right now that he did swim ashore or jumped on a different boat.”

The sheriff’s office and the S.C. Department of Natural Resources are continuing to search the river, according to a Facebook post from the sheriff’s office.

Since Kerry Van Arsdel's disappearance, Midway Fire Rescue, the U.S. Coast Guard and the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) assisted in the search with boats, drones, airplanes and a helicopter.

Michael Van Arsdel said his father often sailed on the Waccamaw, typically anchoring for a couple of nights before returning to the marina.

Although he’s trying to remain optimistic, he said he can’t help but feel something went wrong.

"I don't know. I really don't know what happened," he said. "It’s odd, and it's hard to wait. You just don't — you just don't know. And it's frustrating."

Michael Van Arsdel lives in Hawaii and is trying to coordinate a trip to Pawleys Island to aid in the search effort. He said his sister is planning a trip to the area as well.

He described Kerry Van Arsdel as a loving father and grandfather who enjoys bowling and is fun to be around.

“Dad’s just a very loving person,” he said. “A very caring person.”