Council flags safety risks from fast, quiet sail carts and considers registration or limits

Council member Boerner described recent observations of wind‑driven 'blowkarts' or sail carts on Kiawah's beaches that can travel fast and are relatively quiet. Boerner said he witnessed multiple operators weaving through beachgoers and called for stronger controls; he described one incident where three riders were 'playing follow the leader' at high speed and said the behavior felt dangerous for children and families.

Beach patrol and staff explained that although the devices are wind‑driven (no pedals) and steer like small sailboats, they can be regulated under the town code that prohibits motorized vehicles and unsafe operation on the beach. Patrol staff said they have observed a small number of these devices (about four owners) and had received only two founded complaints historically, but acknowledged enforcement and identification of transient operators are practical challenges.

Council discussed several mitigation options: registration and training for operators, limits on where and when sail‑cart activity can occur, requirements for visible identification, and follow‑up monitoring. Several members urged tracking the activity and considering time‑of‑day or location restrictions before moving to a ban. The council directed the safety committee to continue examining the issue, including whether registration and an education/training program would reduce risky behavior while allowing sport use in controlled conditions.