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South Carolina Wildlife magazine, “Behind the Scenes” – SCDNR
SCW June 2026
South Carolina Wildlife magazine…
behind the scenes!
Here’s a sneak peek of the July-August 2026 cover of South Carolina Wildlife magazine. A scenic avenue at Donnelley Wildlife Management Area photographed by SCW Editor Cindy Thompson
Don’t miss the July-August edition
of South Carolina Wildlife magazine!
In this edition of SCW’s “Palmetto Portraits,” photographer Phillip Jones captures breathtaking images along picturesque side roads that weave all the way from the capital city of Columbia to the Atlantic Ocean. At the end of the trip, Jones enjoyed this glorious sunset at Cherry Grove Pier! Photo by Phillip Jones
The summer issue of South Carolina Wildlife magazine is geared toward all ages and outdoor interests! Articles featured in this issue:
- “Reconnecting”
College students reconnect with nature on the Palmetto Trail - “Fishing with a Ghost”
An angler witnesses a unique blue ghost firefly display after a day of fly fishing - “Lake Wylie’s Black Bass Battle”
Working to protect South Carolina’s native black bass population, as the non-native Alabama bass species threatens to overtake local aquatic habitats. - “When the Rain Stops”
State Climatology Staff explain different types of drought - “Conserving South Carolina’s Crayfishes”
Our state is home to a large number of crayfish species, and their habitats are of critical importance. - “Palmetto Portraits”
Side Road to Paradise - “Dabbling”
Reflections on dabbling for fish - “Wildlife on Your Land: Changes”
A surprising then-and-now look at a Carolina landscape - “Beauty within the Beast”
The beauty of wildlife in a flower garden - “Wilds and Waters: the Bluegill”
- “Conservation Corner”
Local farmers reflect on their connections to the Conservation Districts of S.C.
. . . and more!
“Lake Wylie’s Black Bass Battle,” featured in the summer issue of SCW magazine, focuses on the importance of protecting populations of our state’s native black bass species and breaks down the approach to support native populations.
Protecting South Carolina’s Native Bass
The following is an excerpt from the article “Lake Wylie’s Black Bass Battle,” written by Terry Madewell. The full article will be featured in the South Carolina Wildlife July-August issue.
If you are not already a subscriber, please subscribe before July 1 to receive your copy. Visit GoOutdoorsSouthCarolina.com or SCWildlife.com to subscribe today.
Click to view the documentary video “Protecting Our Native Bass,” which accompanies this article. (Produced by SCDNR photographer Allison DeVore; featured on SCNaturalResources YouTube)
Lake Wylie’s Black Bass Battle by Terry Madewell. Photos by Danielle Kent.
Lake Wylie’s Black Bass Battle
SCW feature article by Terry Madewell
Photos and documentary video by Allison DeVore and Danielle KentDuring the early 2000s, an elite bass fishery found at Lake Wylie lured the Bassmaster Classic to host leading tournament bass anglers to battle for the title of Champion. The lake hosted a thrilling tournament in 2004, and all was well in this bass-fishing world.
Concurrently, during those years, a nonnative species of bass was being illegally transported under the radar from Alabama waters into South Carolina river systems and lakes. Astounding disruptions within South Carolina’s native aquatic ecosystems would soon follow.
SCDNR freshwater fisheries staff sample and survey lake reservoirs to monitor populations of bass species that are present. Photo by Allison DeVore
Upsetting the Balance of a Native Ecosystem
Lake Wylie is the uppermost lake in the Catawba River system in South Carolina. First created in 1904 by a dam near Fort Mill, Lake Wylie is one of the oldest reservoirs in South Carolina. The SCDNR manages the lake for recreational fishing and maintains multiple fish attractors. Popular sport fish of Lake Wylie include largemouth bass, crappie and catfish. The SCDNR monitors these species on a regular basis to maintain a healthy population.
Healthy populations of largemouth bass once existed at Lake Wylie, producing an elite-level fishery for decades, until illegal transportation of fish occurred, sabotaging the native black bass fishery and the natural harmony of this ecosystem. Lake Wylie was invaded by an aggressive predator that now sits at the top of the chain: the Alabama bass.
Alabama bass are quickly overtaking Lake Wylie waters, resulting in increased competition with native largemouth bass. Photos by Danielle Kent
Preston Chrisman is the Freshwater Fisheries Coordinator for Region Two of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and Chairman of the Black Bass Working Group. He and this SCDNR team are leading efforts to combat the unwelcome spread of this species into the Catawba River system.
“Often referred to by anglers as Spotted bass, the Alabama bass became a specific, named species of black bass in 2008,” Chrisman said. “When introduced into non-native fisheries, the invasive species rapidly overruns the native bass population to the point of dominance. At Lake Wylie, the native largemouth are losing the battle.”
According to Chrisman, “Alabama bass are typically smaller than the largemouth bass, seldom reaching trophy sizes. Over time, their population explodes, and their growth rates decline when their numbers stabilize,” he said. “Eventually, competition and pressure on forage produce smaller versions of the invasive species, with most in the one-to-three-pound class.”
SCDNR Freshwater fisheries staff encourage anglers to learn characteristics of native black bass vs. Alabama bass. Native largemouth bass (top) compared to non-native Alabama bass (bottom). Photo courtesy SCDNR
In his article, “Lake Wylie’s Black Bass Battle,” Terry Madewell underscores that the SCDNR will not allow the native black bass fisheries to slip quietly into the night without a fight, but it is an ongoing, long-term battle.
“We’re initiating an experimental black bass stocking program on Lake Wylie in 2027,” Chrisman said. “The goal is to stock 150,000 fingerling largemouth bass into Lake Wylie, and to repeat the stockings for at least three consecutive years.” … “Our goal is that anglers will catch more five-pound largemouth rather than three-pounders.”
“Lake Wylie’s Black Bass Battle” by Terry Madewell will be featured in the July-August 2026 edition of South Carolina Wildlife magazine.
South Carolina’s native black bass
vs. non-native Alabama bassby Preston Chrisman,
Freshwater Fisheries Coordinator for Region Two of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR)
and Chairman of the Black Bass Working GroupAlabama Bass (Micropterus henshalli) are native to the Mobile River Basin of Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi, but have been introduced into waters across the Southeast outside their native range. In South Carolina, Alabama Bass have been illegally introduced into nearly every major river basin in state. The unauthorized spread of invasive Alabama Bass has become a growing conservation concern because they compete with native black bass species for food and habitat and can hybridize with closely related bass, reducing the genetic integrity of native populations. Research from several southeastern states, South Carolina included, has documented declines in Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Bartram’s (Redeye) Bass populations following Alabama Bass introductions, making prevention of further spread an important fisheries management priority.
South Carolina’s native largemouth bass; Photo by Preston Chrisman
(non-native) Alabama bass; Photo by Preston Chrisman
Most anglers believe they are catching the closely related Spotted Bass (Micropterus punctulatus), but all the “spotted” bass in South Carolina have been genetically confirmed to be Alabama Bass. Although Alabama Bass (Micropterus henshalli) and Largemouth Bass (Micropterus nigricans) can appear similar, several key features help distinguish the two species. The most noticeable difference is the size of the mouth. In Largemouth Bass, the upper jaw extends well beyond the rear edge of the eye when the mouth is closed, while in Alabama Bass the jaw typically ends near the middle or rear margin of the eye. Alabama Bass also tend to have a broken, blotchy dark stripe along their sides with rows of small dark spots below the lateral line, whereas Largemouth Bass usually display a more solid, continuous horizontal stripe. Another useful characteristic is the tongue: Alabama Bass generally have a small rough tooth patch on the tongue, while Largemouth Bass usually lack this feature. Because coloration can vary among individuals, multiple characteristics should be used together when identifying these species. Additionally, Alabama Bass will hybridize with Smallmouth Bass and Bartram’s Bass, and to a lesser extent with Largemouth Bass, making visual identification even more difficult for anglers of all experience levels.
If you would like to learn more about recreational fishing and the native fish species of South Carolina, please visit https://www.dnr.sc.gov/
fishing.html To purchase a fishing license, visit GoOutdoorsSouthCarolina.
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Thank you!
Thank you for supporting South Carolina Wildlife magazine, the flagship publication of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources.
If you are not already a subscriber, please visit GoOutdoorsSouthCarolina.com or SCWildlife.com to receive bi-monthly editions of this award-winning magazine.
If you have questions, comments or suggestions for the staff of South Carolina Wildlife magazine, please email SCWildlifeMagazine@dnr.sc.gov
To purchase a South Carolina Wildlife magazine subscription, please visit GoOutdoorsSouthCarolina.com or SCWildlife.com
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
South Carolina Wildlife magazine
P.O. Box 167
Columbia, SC 29202Stay Connected with SCDNR: 
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- “Reconnecting”
What’s Happening At the Sea Pines Resort (June 2026), Harbour Town Yacht Basin, SC AICW MM 565
Harbour Town Yacht Basin, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is ready for your reservation with newly renovated docks, upgraded electrical service and onSpot WiFi, also a CRUISERS NET SPONSOR. And, as always, numerous activities at the Sea Pines Resort are offered for your enjoyment, as you will see in the Event Schedule below. Hilton Head Island is absolutely marvelous any time of year.
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SCDNR Conservation Education June 2026 Newsletter – SCDNR
June 2026
June is the beginning of the summer season in South Carolina with the summer solstice happening on June 21st. The summer solstice marks the longest day, or hours of sunlight during a day, that the Northern Hemisphere will receive in the year. The exact number of hours experienced will depend on the viewer’s exact location, but if you are located within South Carolina you should expect to have just over 14 hours of daylight from sunup to sundown.
We will get to observe some thrilling and exciting changes in wildlife activity this month. Aves, or birds, are active during this time of year. Along the coast, shorebirds may be seen sitting on nests. In places like Botany Bay Heritage Preserve, it may be possible to spot an American oystercatcher in the distance by scanning the dunes for its bright orange beak. Nesting areas may be marked by similarly-colored bright orange tape. Observing shorebirds from a distance, especially during nesting season, is encouraged. This time of year, species like brown pelicans, royal terns, sandwich terns, least terns, black skimmers, and American oystercatchers are settling down atop their nests. These nesting colonies will often be behind some type of barrier where they are being protected as well as monitored by scientists. To get a closer look, I would recommend a good pair of 10 x 42 binoculars or your favorite camera, or even phone with a zoom lens attached. Report your findings to iNaturalist or eBird as well to contribute valuable citizen science data! Maybe if you find a passion in reporting birds you can become one of the famous “listers” — a person who meticulously reports and seeks out different species of birds, or maybe you might find a new “lifer” — or a bird seen by you for the first time in your life.
Nature photography day is June 15th! This day was created by the North American Nature Photography association and highlights the importance of photos in telling a conservation story and in research, as well as the value of it as a nature-based activity that can be enjoyed but all people, equipment and skill level aside. Get outside and explore a new public land, with a camera of any type in hand.
A note from Allison DeVore SCDNR Photographer and Videographer. “Every shoot brings something new, whether that’s a species I’ve never encountered or a person I’ve never met, and that’s what keeps it interesting. I love getting to tell the stories of SCDNR.” The photo of the red-winged blackbird was taken at Donnelley WMA and is one of Allison’s favorite photos that she has taken.
American Oystercatcher
American Oystercatcher, Photo by Kaitlyn HackathornThe American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus), found in South Carolina, is a shorebird species with a remarkable conservation success story. In 2008, the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coast’s population estimate was 10,000 individuals. Surveys in 2023 counted 14,000 oystercatchers, an increase of 43 percent! As its name suggests, the American oystercatcher primarily feeds on oysters, mussels, clams and other marine invertebrates. Its bill, that is shaped like an oyster knife, allows it to access food sources unavailable to many other shorebirds that lack this specialized oyster opening adaptation. Habitat loss and alteration have long been major challenges for the species. American oystercatchers show strong site fidelity, often returning to the same nesting beach season after season, despite changes to those habitats over time. Conservation efforts that have contributed to the species’ recovery include habitat management for invasive species, restrictions on disturbance from domestic pets, protective buffers around nesting sites, and the creation and restoration of oyster reefs. This recovery effort has been a collaborative initiative involving state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and individuals along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Although the population has increased, the species still faces ongoing threats such as storms, nest disturbance, and beach erosion and loss. The story of the American oystercatcher, like that of South Carolina’s wildlife as a whole, remains an ongoing one that requires continued attention, collaboration, and support from both environmental institutions and the public.
Looking for a fun activity geared toward kids or a school group? Learn how to make a pinhole camera!
Deveaux Bank Seabird Sanctuary
Please be aware that The S.C. Department of Natural Resources’ (SCDNR) Deveaux Bank Seabird Sanctuary is completely closed March 15-October 15 to protect coastal birds during the nesting season.
Deveaux Bank Seabird Sanctuary was established to protect significant nesting habitat of sea and shorebirds. Located at the mouth of the North Edisto River in Charleston County, Deveaux Bank Seabird Sanctuary encompasses approximately 215 acres of sandy beaches, vegetated dunes, broad marshes and intertidal shoals. The size of this sanctuary varies, and it may sometimes disappear entirely. The location of Deveaux Bank as an estuarine island was first documented in 1921, and it was documented as a seabird rookery in the 1930s. During World War II, nesting was temporarily interrupted due to the island’s use as a bombing range. Deveaux Bank is part of a dynamic system; it completely subsided in 1980 due to erosion from Hurricane David and then slowly reemerged to provide seabird nesting habitat again in 1983.
Deveaux Bank’s maritime grassland community lives on unstable sand dunes elevated above the highest flood mark. The grassland community is dominated by Russian thistle and marsh hay, which grow along with camphorweed, beach elder, beach tea and dog fennel.
Deveaux Bank supports colonies of nesting waterbirds because of its isolated nature and lack of mammalian predators. Although all species may not nest on the island each year, examples of species that have used the island include brown pelican, least tern, royal tern, black skimmer, gull-billed tern, sandwich tern, common tern, laughing gull, Wilson’s plover, American oystercatcher, willet, great egret, snowy egret, tricolored heron and white ibis.
The colonial nesting behavior of these birds makes them very susceptible to disturbance. Birds are densely packed into breeding sites during the nesting season, rendering the entire rookery susceptible to disruption or destruction. In addition, migratory and wintering shorebirds and seabirds need periods of rest and foraging free from disturbance to survive long journeys and inclement weather. The sand flats and mud flats located in the interior of the island provide feeding and loafing habitat for numerous shorebird species including red knot (federally threatened), piping plover (federally threatened), sanderling, dunlin, short-billed dowitcher, marbled godwits and many others.
In recent years, Deveaux Bank made national headlines as SCDNR biologists discovered the largest known concentration of Hudsonian whimbrels, a rare curlew species, using the site as a nocturnal roost on their spring migration. Due to its critical importance for whimbrels, as well as other migrating shorebirds, Deveaux Bank was designated as a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network site of international importance in 2024.
SCDNR events often require pre-registration to attend. Please click on the respective links and ensure you are signed up before attending.Saltwater Fishing Clinics
Many dates and locations are available this month!
These clinics will teach you how to tie knots, rig your rod, how to cast, what bait to use, and what fish you can catch in saltwater! Find all dates and other events at the SCDNR Fishing Outreach Eventbrite.
Freshwater Fishing Clinics
Many dates and locations are available this month!
These clinics will teach you how to tie knots, rig your rod, how to cast, what bait to use, and what fish you can catch in freshwater! Find all dates and other events at the SCDNR Aquatic Education Eventbrite.
Ironclad Anglers Fishing Rodeo, Colonial Lake, Charleston County
Saturday, June 6th, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Come join SCDNR and the City of Charleston for a hero-themed saltwater fishing rodeo at Colonial Lake. Youth 15 and under. Register here
Hikes with a Naturalist, Ashmore HP & WMA, Greenville County
Saturday, June 20th, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Hikes with a Naturalist are introductory explorations into the natural world around us. These hikes will cover topics ranging from local wildlife and fishes to best hiking practices and land management. Register here
Red Snapper 101- Charleston County
Monday, June 29th, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Red Snapper 101 will be taught by SCDNR staff, fishing professionals, and Shimano staff. We will go over the new updates, fish ID, and more.
The Red Snapper class goes over the new regulations, reporting system, season, fishing techniques, and fish ID. This class will teach you everything you would want to know about red snapper. Kids from ages 6 to adults are welcome, so come out to Shimano’s classroom and enjoy the class! Register here
About Us:
Conservation Education is a section within SCDNR’s Office of Education, Outreach, and Information. Our goal is to connect South Carolinians and visitors to public lands to help them live life outdoors. Our educational programs offer lessons on wildlife, fisheries, forestry, land management, watersheds, and environmental history.
Contact:
Conservation Education Section
Email: ConservationED@dnr.sc.gov
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T Electronic Flares vs Pyrotechnic Flares: What Boaters Need to Know – Southern Boating & Yachting
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Weather Alert, Looking Toward Midmonth – SCDNR
Weather Alert – June 5, 2026
Looking Toward Midmonth
We remain in a tranquil weather pattern across the Atlantic tropics for now. We have a disturbance in the Gulf that won’t develop before moving into Louisiana, but will bring some rain to the lower and middle Mississippi Valley this weekend. We also have four tropical waves to track. One is over the Caribbean Sea and Colombia (along 75° west), one is near the Lesser Antilles (at 60° west), and the other two are over the tropical Atlantic (near 53° west and near 27° west).
A loop of visible satellite imagery showing the features of interest across the Atlantic tropics. A storm centered northeast of Bermuda will not turn into a tropical cyclone as it moves eastward across the Atlantic.
Image Source: University of Wisconsin RealEarth
The Madden-Julian Oscillation is favorable for tropical cyclone formation over the Atlantic. However, other factors, such as widespread strong vertical wind shear (blame the developing El Niño in the Pacific for that), make further development in the Atlantic unlikely over the next seven days.
Starting about a week from now, the shear may relax enough over the western Caribbean Sea and Gulf that one of the waves now drifting westward over the tropical Atlantic has a chance to develop further once it reaches the area. It’s also possible that a Central American Gyre forms, and we get a development from that, or that the gyre and a tropical wave come together and spawn a tropical cyclone. Everyone’s favorite computer model, “The Euro”, has jumped on the bandwagon of showing a possible development around mid-month. However, it can only be said at this time that development is a reasonable possibility in a week or so. Until a storm develops or we’re sure one is imminent, we can’t say whether South Carolina will be affected.
This is output from the ECMWF Ensemble model indicating the percent chance for a tropical cyclone to be within 300 kilometers (about 186 miles) of a point on the map through the 15-day model run (starting at 8 p.m. Thursday EDT). It gives a user an idea of where tropical cyclones could form and track over the next 15 days. It does not indicate how strong a potential storm could be.
Image Source: WeatherBELL
An alternate scenario is that one of the storms we’ll see develop in the far East Pacific might cross Central America into the Atlantic in a week or so. That’s rare but not unheard of.
The bottom line is that you should be sure you’re ready for anything the hurricane season might throw at you. There’s a chance we’ll have to deal with a storm sooner rather than later. So, get those hurricane kits stocked and have your plan ready. As always, your best source for preparedness information is hurricane.sc.
South Carolina weather highlights for the next week:
- High pressure currently overhead keeps us warm to hot and rain-free through this weekend. Humidity will increase as the high shifts eastward and the wind becomes southeasterly. Highs will be mainly in the upper 80s to lower 90s on Saturday, then mainly in the low- to-mid 90s on Sunday.
- Along comes a ‘backdoor front’ (moving in from the northeast) on Monday, which will likely become stationary over South Carolina into Tuesday. That will generate mainly afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms, which could be spotty. That will ease the heat somewhat, with highs mainly in the upper 80s to lower 90s on Monday, then mid-to-upper 80s on Tuesday.
- The front retreats northward after that, putting us in a hot and humid air mass for the end of next week. Afternoon thunderstorms can’t be ruled out, but will be isolated and mainly confined to the Upstate and Coastal Plain. Highs trend up to the low 90s for most of the state by Thursday.
- Early signs suggest it could be quite hot next Friday and next weekend, with some 95°+ temperatures possible for our state’s usual hot spots.
Frank Strait
Severe Weather Liaison
S.C. State Climate Office
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
260 D. Epting Lane
West Columbia, SC, 29172Stay Connected with SCDNR: 
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What’s Happening At the Sea Pines Resort (July 2026), Harbour Town Yacht Basin, SC AICW MM 565
Harbour Town Yacht Basin, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is ready for your reservation with newly renovated docks, upgraded electrical service and onSpot WiFi, also a CRUISERS NET SPONSOR. And, as always, numerous activities at the Sea Pines Resort are offered for your enjoyment, as you will see in the Event Schedule below. Hilton Head Island is absolutely marvelous any time of year.
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Interactive tool lets users find nearby public water accesses – CoastalReview
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Don’t get complacent with tropical outlook; ‘it only takes one’ – CoastalReview
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SCDNR to conduct courtesy boat inspections during Memorial Day Weekend – SCDNR
SCDNR to conduct courtesy boat inspections during Memorial Day Weekend
SCDNR officers will perform quick but thorough inspections for required safety equipment at public boat landings during the Memorial Day weekend. (SCDNR photo)
In an effort to keep people and waterways safe during the Memorial Day Weekend, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Law Enforcement Division will be conducting courtesy boat inspections at public boat landings around the state. The Memorial Day holiday kicks off the summer boating season and is one of the busiest times of the year for South Carolina lakes and waterways, and officers want to do everything possible to keep everyone’s weekend fun and safe.
SCDNR boating safety and enforcement officers will perform quick but thorough inspections for required safety equipment and proper boat and motor registrations. Those who are not in compliance with safety regulations or registration requirements will not be ticketed during the complimentary inspections. Instead, they will be given an opportunity to correct the problem before they launch their boat. SCDNR officers will also be available to answer questions and give boaters tips on how to stay safe on the water.
To report boating violations such as reckless operation or an intoxicated boat operator, call the SCDNR toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-800-922-5431 or dial #DNR on your cellular phone.
For a copy of South Carolina’s boating regulations, to find out about local boating safety courses, or to obtain a free float plan form, contact the SCDNR boating safety office at 1-800-277-4301 or visit http://www.dnr.sc.gov/
education/boated.html. Memorial Day Weekend boat inspection locations:
Saturday, May 23:
- Anderson County: Twin Lakes Landing, Lake Hartwell, 9AM-11AM
- Charleston County: Wapoo Cut Landing, Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), 9AM-11AM
- Greenwood County: SC Highway 72 Landing at Break on the Lake, Lake Greenwood, 9AM-11AM
- Horry County: Little River Landing, 9AM-11AM
- Lexington County: Lake Murray Dam Landing, 9AM-11AM
- York County: Ebenezer Park/Lake Wylie, 9AM-11AM
- Beaufort County: Battery Creek Boat Landing, 9AM-11AM
Sunday, May 24:
- Beaufort County: Lemon Island Boat Ramp, 9AM-11AM
- Charleston County: Remley’s Point, 9AM-11AM
- Clarendon County: Alex Harvin Landing, Lake Marion, 9AM-11AM
- Colleton County: Bennett’s Point Landing, 9AM-11AM
- Kershaw County: Clearwater Cove Landing, Lake Wateree, 9AM-11AM
- McCormick County: Dorn Landing, Lake Thurmond, 9AM-11AM
- Berkeley County: Amos Gourdine/Russellville Landing, 9AM-11AM
Monday, May 25:
- Charleston County: Limehouse Landing, 9AM-11AM
- Georgetown County: Carroll Ashmore Campbell Marine Complex Landing, 9AM-11AM
- Lexington County: Lake Murray Dam, 9AM-11AM
- Pickens County: South Cove Landing, Lake Keowee, 9AM-11AM
- York County: Ebenezer Park/Lake Wylie, 9AM-11AM
Cheyenne Twilley
Chief of Education, Outreach, and Information
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
260 D Epting Ln, West Columbia, SC 29172
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South Carolina Gears Up for Heat Safety Week as Temperatures Rise – SCDNR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 12, 2026
South Carolina Gears Up for Heat Safety Week as Temperatures Rise
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster has declared May 18 to May 22, 2026, as South Carolina Heat Safety Week. As temperatures start to rise across the state, officials are urging residents to focus on heat safety before the summer season.
This statewide effort is a collaboration between the S.C. State Climatology Office, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, the National Weather Service, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, and the S.C. Department of Public Health.
“Excessive heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States. It doesn’t leave behind the visible destruction of a hurricane or tornado, so its danger is often overlooked,” said John Quagliariello, the Meteorologist-in-Charge of the Columbia National Weather Service Office. “The true tragedy is that, with proper awareness and preparation, the vast majority of these heat-related fatalities are entirely preventable.” Quagliariello noted that there is still a risk of heat-related illness at lower heat thresholds that may not trigger advisories or warnings, especially for heat-sensitive populations.
South Carolina Heat Safety Week coincides with the National Heat Safety Campaign hosted by the National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS), a collaboration of federal partners, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Each day during the week will feature daily themes to educate the public about the dangers of excessive heat and the steps they can take to stay safe.
May 18: Heat-related illness awareness
May 19: Heat safety tips
May 20: Check on your family, friends, teammates, and neighbors
May 21: Heat safety and outdoor recreation
May 22: Staying safe in the sun (Don’t Fry Day)
Assistant State Climatologist Melissa Griffin noted that last summer, overnight temperatures were up to 10 degrees above normal, heightening heat risks and providing little relief. Dangerously hot and humid conditions at the end of July prompted Extreme Heat Warnings for most of the Coastal Plain, while Heat Advisories were issued for the Midlands and Upstate, with heat indices ranging from 110 to 118 degrees. The National Weather Service station at the Mount Pleasant Airport recorded a heat index of 115 degrees on July 26, and the NWS station at the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport reported a heat index of 107 degrees on July 27.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) places an emphasis on preventing vehicular heat stroke, especially among young children, who are particularly at risk. More than 50% of child heatstroke fatalities are the result of a child being forgotten in a vehicle. Additionally, more than 25% of child heatstroke fatalities happen because a child gains unauthorized access to a parked vehicle and becomes entrapped, like getting locked in the trunk of a car.
“Even on a mild day, the inside of a parked car can heat up to dangerous levels very quickly,” said Kevin Poore, Director of Safe Kids South Carolina and DPH’s Child Passenger Safety Coordinator. “Children and pets are especially vulnerable because their bodies can’t regulate heat as well as adults. To prevent tragedy, it’s essential to make a habit of always locking your doors when a vehicle is not in use and checking the back seat every time you exit your vehicle. A quick glance can save a life. If you ever see a child or pet alone in a car, take action immediately and call 911.”
DPH has developed an interactive Heat Related Illness Dashboard, which includes interactive data pages that allow you to view data for the state and each county. There were 246 hospitalizations and 2,014 emergency department visits for heat-related illness in South Carolina from May to September in 2024, the most recent year for which data is available.
Tips for Staying Safe in the Heat:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
- Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day (typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing.
- Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
- Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, even for a few minutes.
- Check on neighbors or those without access to air conditioning.
Additional resources can be found online at weather.gov/safety/heat, sc
emd.org/prepare/, and dph.sc.gov/health-wellness/ health-safety/heat-related- illnesses. For media inquiries, please contact:
National Weather Service, Charleston – Emily McGraw (emily.mcgraw@noaa.gov)
National Weather Service, Columbia – Steve Lavoie (steve.lavoie@noaa.gov), Brad Carlberg (brad.carlberg@noaa.gov), John Quagliariello (john.quagliariello@noaa.gov)
National Weather Service, Greer – Clay Chaney (clay.chaney@noaa.gov)
National Weather Service, Wilmington – Ian Boatman (ian.boatman@noaa.gov), Tim Armstrong (timothy.armstrong@noaa.gov)
SCEMD – Bridget Frame (bframe@emd.sc.gov)
SCDPH – Casey White (media@dph.sc.gov)
SCDNR – Cheyenne Twilley (TwilleyC@dnr.sc.gov)
Cheyenne Twilley
Chief of Education, Outreach, and Information
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
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What’s Happening At the Sea Pines Resort (June 2026), Harbour Town Yacht Basin, SC AICW MM 565
Harbour Town Yacht Basin, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is ready for your reservation with newly renovated docks, upgraded electrical service and onSpot WiFi, also a CRUISERS NET SPONSOR. And, as always, numerous activities at the Sea Pines Resort are offered for your enjoyment, as you will see in the Event Schedule below. Hilton Head Island is absolutely marvelous any time of year.
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Blue Angels Air Show, FINAL DAY, May 2, Charleston, SC
The Blue Angels Air Show is a spectacular treat, especially viewed from the water. Please use caution, especially around anchored spectator boats. Be safe!
Good afternoon Charleston HSC,
Please find attached MSIB 07-26 regarding a safety zone for the upcoming Blue Angels Airshow. As a summary:
The U.S. Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, will be conducting aerobatic maneuvers over the Charleston Harbor, SC, on Thursday, April 30th through Saturday, May 2nd, 2026.
A safety zone, encompassing a rectangular area within Charleston Harbor, will be enforced during the times referenced on the chart below. Please note that no one will be allowed to enter the safety zone without prior authorization from the Coast Guard Captain of the Port Charleston or a designated representative.
Mariners are encouraged to monitor the Broadcast Notice to Mariners on VHF Channel 16. Coast Guard Sector Charleston will announce the start and end of the safety zone enforcement each day. The Blue Angels’ schedule is dependent on weather, and any changes to the safety zone schedule will be reflected in a future MSIB.
For questions or concerns regarding this MSIB, please contact the Sector Charleston 24-hour Command Center at (833) 453-1261.
Very respectfully,
LT Nicholas Jones
WWM Division Chief
USCG Sector Charleston
Nicholas.J.Jones@uscg.mil
O: 843-740-3184
C: 843-323-7761
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What’s Happening At the Sea Pines Resort (May 2026), Harbour Town Yacht Basin, SC AICW MM 565
Harbour Town Yacht Basin, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is ready for your reservation with newly renovated docks, upgraded electrical service and onSpot WiFi, also a CRUISERS NET SPONSOR. And, as always, numerous activities at the Sea Pines Resort are offered for your enjoyment, as you will see in the Event Schedule below. Hilton Head Island is absolutely marvelous any time of year.
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Kerry Maveus
kmaveus@hunter-pr.com | www.hunter-pr.com
mobile: 831-917-2878
P.O. Box 1049 | Pebble Beach, CA | 93953
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