Beachgoers to Hyde or Dare counties during the busy season can sign up for ocean and beach condition text alerts from Outer Banks lifeguards, ocean rescue agencies and the National Weather Service.
To receive Dare County Emergency Management’s rip current forecast alerts, text OBXBeachConditions to 77295.
Supporter Spotlight
“Swimming in the ocean is not the same as swimming in a pool or lake. Wind, waves, the change of the tide, the slope of the beach and other factors can cause strong currents to be present in the water even on the calmest days,” according to Cape Hatteras National Seashore officials.
Rip Currents are “fast flowing channels of water that extend from close to the shoreline through the surf and past the breaking waves,” according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The easiest way to spot rip currents is from an elevated position overlooking the beach. Look for darker, muddy, or choppier waters than surrounding areas and where waves are not breaking, NOAA continues.
Seashore officials warn that the ocean presents additional hazards, such as lightning, high surf and shore break, and urgers beachgoers to avoid swimming in dangerous situations such as in rough seas and inlets, around fishing piers and surfers, at night or during extreme weather.
To learn more about safely visiting the ocean, beachgoers can check out Dare County’s Love the Beach, Respect the Ocean website, where information on the rip current risk for the day, beach conditions, and more can be found.
Supporter Spotlight
Seashore officials recommend swimming at one of its five beaches staffed with lifeguards from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Lifeguards are at the following locations:
- Coquina Beach Access is across from the Bodie Island Lighthouse site.
- Rodanthe Beach Access, provided by Dare County, is at 23732 N.C. 12.
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Beach Access is adjacent to the old Cape Hatteras Lighthouse site.
- Frisco Beach Access is just south of Frisco Village.
- Ocracoke Beach Access is 1.5 miles south of the seashore’s campground or half-mile north of Ocracoke Village.
