Large, deep holes left by dig-loving beachgoers on Oak Island’s ocean shore have prompted the town’s council to restrict the depth and the tools that may be used to shovel recreational holes on the public beach.
The Oak Island Town Council on July 8 updated ordinance 14-142, which addresses digging holes on the beach, to include specific rules that go beyond the original ordinance’s wording that holes be “be attended at all times and filled prior to leaving the beach.”
Supporter Spotlight
The update was made in response to “the recent call volume and overwhelming safety concerns” that have resulted from deep holes beachgoers have left on the town’s ocean shore,” according to a release the Brunswick County town issued Friday.
“Since the start of May 2025, the Oak Island Beach Safety Unit has responded to and filled in over 205 large, deep holes left unattended on the public beach areas,” the release states. “Deep holes in the sand can be dangerous to beachgoers, wildlife, and Beach Safety crews responding to emergencies. At well over 100 lbs. per cubic foot, the weight of sand from a collapsed hole can immediately crush most children, small pets, and wildlife.”
These holes can be difficult to see, particularly at night, and regularly cause damage to emergency equipment and severe injuries to people, pets and wildlife walking the beach.
The amended ordinance mandates that holes may be dug only using toy shovels, not more than one foot deep, must be attended at all times, and completely filled by 6 p.m.
Violators will face a $50 fine issued by the Beach Safety Unit or the Oak Island Police Department.
Supporter Spotlight
For additional information, visit OakIslandNC.gov/HOLES.
