SC Hotel Pool, Spa, and Human Trafficking Signs

Welcome to the Palmetto State! As a hotel or resort owner in South Carolina, you know that creating a relaxing and safe environment for your guests is paramount. From the shores of Myrtle Beach to the charming streets of Charleston and the upstate lakes, guests are drawn to your hospitality and amenities. But with great hospitality comes great responsibility—including staying on top of state-specific signage laws.

When it comes to guest safety and legal compliance, two types of signs are non-negotiable for most South Carolina hospitality businesses: those for your pools and spas, and a new, crucial requirement for human trafficking awareness. Failing to post the correct signage can lead to fines, legal action, and—most importantly—put guests and employees at risk. In fact, South Carolina premises liability law holds hotel owners responsible for maintaining a reasonably safe environment, and proper signage is a key part of that legal duty.

This guide breaks down exactly what signs your hotel needs to be fully compliant with South Carolina state regulations, allowing you to focus on providing that top-tier guest experience.

SC Pool & Spa Signage: A Deeper Dive into DHEC Regulations

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) takes public swimming pool and spa safety seriously, and their regulations (S.C. Code Regs. § 61-51) are very specific about the signs you must display. These aren't just suggestions; they are mandatory for any public-use pool or spa.

Here are the signs you must have and what they need to say:

• No Lifeguard On Duty Sign: If your hotel pool does not have a certified lifeguard on duty at all times, this sign is a must. The DHEC requires that you post this sign in a "conspicuous location" for all to see. The lettering size is a critical detail: the phrase "NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY" must be in letters at least six (6) inches tall, and "SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK" must be at least four (4) inches tall. You are required to have at least two signs clearly visible to anyone entering the pool area.
• Shallow Water - No Diving Sign: This sign is essential for any pool with a depth of six feet or less. It clearly warns guests of the danger of diving into shallow water, a key preventative measure against serious injury.
• Spa Rules Sign: A specific sign is required for spas and hot tubs to warn guests about potential health risks, temperature restrictions, and safe usage guidelines.
• Pool Rules Sign: This sign must outline comprehensive rules for your pool area, informing guests of safe and healthy practices, from prohibiting running to ensuring proper attire. The sign must be legible and placed in a highly visible location.

South Carolina's Human Trafficking Notice: A Vital Requirement

Beyond guest recreation and safety, there's another critical signage law that every hotel and motel in the state must follow to combat a serious and widespread crime: human trafficking. Passed in 2012 and amended since, S.C. Code of Laws § 16-3-2100 mandates that certain businesses, including hotels and motels, post a specific notice.

Did You Know?

In 2024, the National Human Trafficking Hotline reported 64 trafficking incidents and a total of 111 likely victims in South Carolina. The Hotline noted that the number one location for sex trafficking is hotels and motels.
— Source: South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force, Annual Report

This sign serves as a lifeline for victims and a tool for employees and guests to recognize and report suspicious activity. The law specifies the content and location of the sign:

• Location: The notice must be posted in "each public restroom" and in a "prominent location conspicuous to the public at the entrance."
• Size & Font: The sign must be no smaller than eight and one-half by eleven (8.5" x 11") inches, with text in a minimum of 16-point font.
• Content: The sign must contain specific, pre-written wording about the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline.

We offer two options for this human trafficking awareness sign: durable PVC plastic and thick non-glare white acrylic. Both are long-lasting and perfect for the required public restroom and lobby locations. This law not only holds businesses accountable but also empowers victims and the public. As a hotel owner, ensuring your signs are compliant is a moral and legal imperative.

The Bottom Line on SC Hotel Signage

From poolside fun to life-saving information, your signs play a crucial role in the safety and operation of your South Carolina hotel. By proactively installing and maintaining the required DHEC-compliant pool and spa signs, as well as the essential human trafficking notices, you're doing more than just avoiding fines—you're creating a secure environment for everyone who walks through your doors.

Ready to update your signage and ensure full compliance? Browse our collection of South Carolina-specific hotel, pool, spa, and human trafficking signs.