The beach rules, in plain words.

• Stay off the dunes

  Strictly enforced, with a $100 fine. Use the public access walkways. Everything else is private property.

• No tents, cabanas or awnings

  Not allowed on the beach at any time. Umbrellas are fine. So are infant pop-up tents up to 46 by 36 by 36 inches, and wind-powered sunshades on one continuous pole with no more than 160 square feet of fabric.

• Take it all with you

  All beach gear comes off the strand daily. Anything left between 7 pm and 7:30 am is removed and thrown away by the town.

• Dogs

  On a leash, contained or fenced at all times. No dogs on the beach strand from 9 am to 6 pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day. No dogs in public access or parking areas at any time. Pick up after your dog, island-wide.

• Sea turtle nests

  Keep all beach gear at least 10 feet from a marked nest or dune vegetation, and never on the ocean side of a nest. Turn off outside lights and close the blinds at night during nesting season. Fill in your holes before you leave.

• No fires, grills or fireworks

  No open fires or grilling on the beach, and no charcoal grills on porches, decks or landings above ground level. Fireworks are not allowed in town.

• Also

  No glass on the strand. No vehicles on the strand or dunes. No surfing within 1,000 feet of the pier. There are no lifeguards. The county's visitor guide also lists no bicycles on the strand from April 30 through October 1.

A plain-language summary. The town's page and ordinance are the authority. Town of Ocean Isle Beach, beach rules