Cape Hatteras Extends Lifeguard Season

As a result of increased late summer tourism to the Outer Banks, Cape Hatteras National Seashore will continue stationing lifeguards through the end of September at three lifegard beaches.

This year’s lifeguard season, originally scheduled from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day has been extended to Sept. 30 at Coquina Beach Access on Bodie Island, Frisco Beach Access  on Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Beach Access on Ocracoke Island. Lifeguards are on duty 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.

“Lifeguard beaches are the safest places to swim along the Seashore,” David Hallac, Superintendent, National Parks of Eastern North Carolina, said in a statement. “We are pleased to provide an extended lifeguard season at three of the Seashore’s most-visited beaches.”

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Beach in Buxton will continue life-guarding services through Sept. 7.

Whether swimming at a lifeguard beach or entering the Atlantic Ocean elsewhere along the seashore, it is important for visitors to check the daily rip current forecast at www.weather.gov/beach/mx or sign up for ocean safety text messages by texting ‘Join OBXBeachConditions’ to 30890. Text ‘STOP’ to 30890 to stop receiving messages.