Oak Island adds lighted signs that display beach warnings

Oak Island officials announced Wednesday that its newly installed beach warning notification system will enhance safety for beachgoers and add visibility to its warning flag system already in place.

The town’s public works department installed four signs with beach warning lights that feature a fully automated wireless control system that receives National Weather Service updates and then displays the current beach warning condition via signal light.

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The signage was developed by SwimSmart Warning Systems of Marquette, Michigan. The firm has designed and installed similar systems in numerous states on the East Coast, West Coast, and in the Great Lakes region.

Officials said the signs are completely self-contained, using solar options for power and onboard data receivers for information.

David Kelly, the outgoing town manager, began discussions with SwimSmart in mid-2023, according to the announcement. The company designed a system for Oak Island that incorporates a purple light to indicate the risk of “stinging marine life” such as jellyfish or Portuguese men-of-war.

The four signs were installed near the following beach access locations:

• Barbee Boulevard near the Oak Island Pier.
• Oak Island Cabana (Middleton Park Complex).
• Third Place East near South Middleton Avenue.
• The Point at the end of West Beach Drive.

The signs were to be activated by the end of the day Wednesday.

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The signs’ effectiveness and durability are to be evaluated during the 2024 summer season. Then officials will determine whether to expand or adapt the program.

While the lighted signs provide beachgoers with conditions at a quick glance, officials still recommend checking the Beach Safety page of the town website for full forecast and safety information. The page also contains important information on rip current safety, what to do in an emergency, and directions on how to use rescue tubes.

To view the Beach Safety page, scan the QR code found on any of the Water Safety Stations or visit OakIslandNC.gov/SAFETY.