OBX Beach and Ocean Safety

Rip currents are strong, narrow currents that pull away from the shore and they commonly occur in breaks in sandbars, near jetties or piers, and low spots.

A person caught in a rip current can be swept out away from the beach in a matter of seconds.

Rip currents do not pull swimmers below the water, they just pull them out.

Most importantly stay calm, do not try to fight the current. Trying to outswim the current will wear you out even quicker.

Swim sideways, parallel to the shore. This will help you get out of the rip.

If you can't swim parallel try to calmly tread water or float. It is important to keep your head above the water. The currents strength typically weakens offshore.

If you cannot make it to shore, try to draw attention to yourself by waving your arms or yelling.

Do not attempt to jump in to save someone stuck in a rip current unless you are trained in ocean rescue.

If you suspect someone is trapped in a rip current notify the closest lifeguard or dial 911 immediately.

If possible, throw out a flotational device for the trapped swimmer to grab on to.

A channel where water is choppy and churning.

A line of seaweed, seafoam or debris moving steadily out to sea.

An unsteady pattern of incoming waves.

Red flags flying on the beaches indicate hazardous surf conditions and swimming is prohibited.

Consequences for disobeying the no swimming or wading rules vary from town to town but in most scenarios, ocean rescue personnel will either issue warnings, tickets, and/or fines.

Ocean rescue personnel are trained individuals and the decision to fly the red flags is a serious matter.

Swimming when red flags are up put your life and lifeguards’ lives in danger.

The only exception to the red flags is those surfing or bodyboarding.

Surfboards must be at least 5 feet long with a leash attached to the surfer and they must have at least one fin.

Bodyboarders need to have a durable coiled leash attached to them and be wearing fins. The bodyboard must be made up of a foam core encapsulated by a durable plastic bottom with a foam deck and side rails.

No styrofoam boards with mesh covers and woven leashes.

Only serious surfers and bodyboarders should enter the water when red flags are flying.

Failure to abide by these rules can result in tickets and/or fines.

A yellow flag placed in the sand indicates a moderate risk for rip currents in that location.

Swimming is allowed but only advised for experienced swimmers.

Corolla Lifeguards

Duck Lifeguards

Southern Shores Lifeguards

Kitty Hawk Lifeguards

Kill Devil Hills Lifeguards

Nags Head Lifeguards

Hatteras Island Lifeguards

Never swim alone, always have a friend or someone with you.

Swim near a lifeguard.

Know where you are in case of emergency.

Have a cell phone on the beach.

Do not dive into the water.

Do not swim out too far.

Educate yourself and others of potential risks at the beach.

Check the forecast before you go.

Fill in any holes you dig to avoid injuring someone later on

If you visit the 4x4 area, please do not feed the horses, they need to stay safe too!

And to avoid forgetting something, check out our comprehensive list of what to pack in your OBX beach bag here.