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Outer Banks Lifeguard Stands, Rip Currents, and More OBX Beach Tips

A trip to the Outer Banks’ beautiful beaches is certainly a enjoyable and memorable experience for many visitors and families. To keep it that way, beach safety must be a top priority. Whether you’re going swimming and want to find Outer Banks lifeguards, sailing or surfing and would love to rock out the best spot, are participating in any of the many Outer Banks activities at our coastal attractions, or if you’re simply taking strolls in the sand and then laying out to catch some sun, we want your time at the beach to be as safe as it is fun.

Here are some tips and resources to help you stay safe.

Lifeguards

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, highly trained ocean rescue lifeguards are stationed seven days a week at designated beach accesses from Corolla to Nags Head. South of Oregon Inlet, ocean rescue coverage varies, however limited lifeguard stands and roving patrols are on duty at various locations. While each ocean rescue division vary slightly as far as hours lifeguards are on duty, all of them offer services from morning until evening. Lifeguard regularly update their information boards each morning with essential information related to ocean conditions, safety precautions, as well as water and air temperatures and tides. Lifeguards are a great resource and happy to answer any questions or concerns you have regarding the ocean environment, the beach or our community. And remember, always swim near a lifeguard!

To find which beach accesses have lifeguard stands, see our town maps.
For more information on specific ocean rescue services by town, check out these links:
Sun Protection

Bright, sunny days seem like the perfect recipe for a great Outer Banks vacation. But enjoying the sunshine means also being aware of the dangers of prolonged exposure to the sun. During the summer months, the sun’s rays are especially intense. The reflection of the sun off of the ocean and sand can increase your chance for sunburn.

The following tips can help you avoid heat-related illnesses – including sunburn:

  • Remember, you can sunburn even on a cloudy day
  • Avoid dehydration and drink plenty of water when outdoors
  • Be watchful of children and older adults, their bodies don’t regulate their temperatures efficiently
  • Try to avoid exposure to the sun during the most intense hours of the sun’s rays (10:00AM – 5:00PM)
  • Apply sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15, paying special attention to the face, nose, ears scalp and shoulders
  • Reapply sunscreen each time you get out of the water
  • Wear sunglasses with UV Protection
  • Wear a hat
  • Make sure you reapply sunscreen often – especially after swimming.
  • Whenever possible, wear a shirt or coverup to minimize your sun exposure
  • Umbrellas, tents or cabanas are great devices for staying out of direct sunlight and will also help keep you cool

Here are additional tips from the American Cancer Society to help protect yourself.

Rip Currents

Rip currents are channeled currents of water that flow away from shore, and can quickly pull even the strongest swimmers out to sea. Since the current flows under water, it’s important to know the signs of a rip current and avoid the water in that area.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), indicators of rip currents include:

  • A channel of churning, choppy water
  • Notable differences in water color
  • Lines of foam, seaweed or debris moving steadily seaward
  • A break in the incoming wave pattern

How the Break Out of a Rip Current

outer banks beach safety

Check the National Weather Service Surf Zone Forecasts for the latest rip current, high and low tide and surf height information. You’ll want to check the Outer Banks regional forecast.

Flags on public beaches also indicate rip current alerts: green for low hazard and calm conditions, yellow for medium hazard with moderate surf conditions, and red for high hazard with rough conditions indicating rip currents.

Be sure to look for flags on lifeguard stations and read the sign keys when arriving at the beach. If you see warning signs of rip currents or moderate or high hazard flags, stay out of the water and alert others to do the same.

Jellyfish

Jellyfish and Portuguese man o’ war stings are best avoided by staying aware of beach surroundings. In the case of a sting, it should be treated quickly.

Jellyfish have clear, jellylike bodies, with tentacles with stinging structures hanging below, and swim under water. The Portuguese man o’ war has a colorful air-filled bladder that keeps it afloat on the surface of the water, with tentacles stretching underneath. If you spot either, stay calm, get out of the water and alert others.

Both inject venom when they sting, and can sting even after they’re dead, so avoid touching those washed up on the beach. Common sting symptoms include red welts, blisters, pain, tingling and itching. To treat a sting:

  • Wear gloves or other hand covering to remove tentacles
  • Wash the affected area with vinegar or rubbing alcohol
  • Do not rinse with water, which could release more venom
  • Contact a lifeguard or doctor for further treatment as needed
Sharks

Most shark encounters with humans are cases of mistaken identity. Swimmers, surfers and others in the water may splash and present visual targets that mislead the shark, causing it to mistake people for prey. Most attacks occur in near-shore waters, between sandbars, or near steep drop-offs where sharks feed.

Chances of encountering a shark in North Carolina waters are very low. To further reduce your risk, consider the following tips from the NC Sea Grant:

  • Do not enter the water or swim near a pier, as they attract baitfish that sharks feed on and are a very likely place for sharks to swim if they come close to shore.
  • Avoid waters being used by sport or commercial fishermen, especially if there are signs of baitfish or feeding activity. Diving seabirds are good indicators of such action.
  • Always stay in groups. Sharks are more likely to attack a solitary individual.
  • Avoid being in the water during dusk, darkness or twilight hours. This is when sharks are most active and have a sensory advantage.
  • Wearing shiny jewelry in the water is discouraged because the reflected light resembles the sheen of fish scales.
  • Avoid wearing brightly colored contrasting clothing in the water. Sharks see contrast particularly well.
  • Refrain from excess splashing to minimize your risk.
  • Exercise caution when swimming between sandbars or near steep drop-offs. These are favorite hangouts for sharks.
  • Do not enter the water if bleeding. A shark’s sense of smell is acute.
Severe Weather

Watch for flags posted at many beach access sites signifying extreme weather and water conditions.

Be attentive to any weather-related watches or warnings issued by the National Weather Service or local authorities, and follow carefully any precautionary directions or evacuation notices from public safety officials.

When thunderstorms or lightning threaten, seek cover promptly in a large enclosed building, or if not possible, an enclosed metal vehicle. The National Weather Service recommends waiting 30 minutes until after the last thunder crack before returning to the beach. You can always get the latest on tropical storm forecasts from the National Hurricane Center.

Contact Us

Drop us a line, ask us a question, or let us know if there’s other beach access information that would be helpful.

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