HEALTH, SAFETY & ACCESSIBILITY

 

The health and safety of guests while visiting Meher Center is a top priority for us. We hope the following information helps with your planning your visit. If there is any other way we can help, please contact us at 843-272-5777, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., 7 days a week.

Wildlife

Much of the Meher Center property is a natural habitat which supports a diverse ecosystem. Ticks, chiggers and mosquitoes, most active from April through October, are a frequent cause of discomfort. Copies of our “Tick Fact Sheet” are available at the Center’s Gateway office. Raccoons, alligators, and poisonous and non-poisonous snakes are commonly encountered at the Center, but don’t worry—snakes won’t bite unless they are surprised or stepped on! Follow the directives to be safe: stay on the paths, carry a flashlight, wear covered shoes and supervise children.

Remember, for ecological and safety reasons wildlife should never be fed—feeding the alligators is especially dangerous.

Safety

South Carolina sun is deceptively strong and sunburn is always a risk. Those planning to be outdoors for long periods or on the beach should bring sunscreen and hats. Those wishing to swim should be aware of the dangers of riptides, jellyfish, and even sharks at times. Guests are not permitted to swim alone and may not use floating devices. As the Center beach is a public county area outside of the city of Myrtle Beach, there are no lifeguards or regular safety patrols.

Accessibility

We welcome all at Meher Center and are committed to provide support for guests with accessibility needs. Staff at the Gateway are always happy to talk with you about your specific situation (843-272-5777, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., 7 days a week).

ADA service dogs are welcome at the Center, and an assistant may stay with you if needed at no extra charge. For guests with mobility challenges, our public buildings and special buildings have ramp entrances and wheelchair accessible bathrooms. Handicap parking areas are provided near public buildings and designated cabins for overnight guests. Some of our overnight cabins are also equipped with ramps and wheelchair accessible bathrooms.

Because the Center is a rustic environment, there are no paved parking areas, roads, walkways or trails. The grounds are uneven and can be somewhat rocky. The best thing to bring with you on retreat is a helper or companion. An assistant can stay with you, or in a nearby cabin, at no charge.

We ask you to use manual wheelchairs inside all Center buildings. If you are motorized, but can have a manual chair in your van to use in these vintage buildings, that would be great. If you do not have a manual wheelchair, they are available here to borrow during your stay.

Our beach is accessible only with special beach wheelchairs, that can be delivered to the Center from local resources at no cost. With prior notice, we can help you in that arrangement.