Extra law enforcement expected on Isle of Palms for planned senior skip day event Friday

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD) – Beachgoers can expect a heavy law enforcement presence Friday on the Isle of Palms due to a planned “senior skip day” event.

The agency has been working with local and state partners to prepare for the April 12 event after learning about it from members of the community.

Officials with the Isle of Palms Police Department said preparations include a multi-tiered approach like adding extra personnel, equipment, and intelligence analysis.

While police invite everyone to enjoy the beach on Friday or any other day, they want to ensure the environment remains safe. “We will have a zero-tolerance approach to all violations of city ordinances and state laws,” the agency said.

Isle of Palms city ordinance states that a permit is required for gatherings on public property, including the beach and beach access paths, when they involve more than 50 people.

A significant law enforcement presence from many jurisdictions can be expected on the roads and beaches.

“We want to thank the members of our community who reached out to our agency to give us this information,” said Isle of Palms Chief Kevin Cornett. “We always remind the public that if you see something, say something, which this is a perfect example of that working for this situation.”

Five people were shot during a senior skip day event in April 2023 after a fight broke out on the beach. Hundreds of people were gathered on the beach before the shooting, sending people running for safety.

Five people were arrested in connection with the incident including the accused shooter.

The shooting prompted many safety changes for the beach community and resulted in several arrests.