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OBX Beach Safety Guide: Essential Tips for Rip Currents, Shorebreak, and More

Before heading to the beach, check the daily rip current forecast and safety info. Text “Join OBXBeachConditions” to 30890 for text alerts on beach conditions.

Love the Beach Respect the Ocean has partnered with Current TV to produce quick Beach Hazard PSAs for Outer Banks safety. Learn how to enjoy the beach while respecting the ocean with proven tips to stay safe and share lifesaving knowledge.

Shorebreak

The ocean's power commands respect. Shorebreak waves can slam unsuspecting swimmers into the sand, causing neck and back injuries—or worse, drowning. Prevent these incidents with these expert tips:

  1. Check local beach forecasts before heading out.
  2. Always swim near a lifeguard.
  3. Stay mindful of incoming waves, even at the water's edge.
  4. In the water, play the 'over and under' game: Go over small waves, under larger ones.

Rip Currents

Rip currents lurk even on calm days along our coast, claiming lives yearly. Stay safe with these proven strategies:

  1. Check local beach forecasts before heading out.
  2. Always swim near a lifeguard.
  3. If caught, don't panic—float, wave, and shout for help.
  4. Strong swimmers: Swim parallel to shore to escape the current.

Marine Life

Our ocean teems with beautiful yet potentially dangerous marine life. Minimize risks with these local tips:

  1. Always swim near a lifeguard.
  2. Shuffle feet when entering water to scare off skates and rays.
  3. Don't venture far from shore.
  4. Avoid dawn, dusk, or nighttime swims.
  5. Steer clear of swimming wildlife.
  6. Avoid fished areas or baitfish schools—watch for diving seabirds.

Lifeguarded Beaches

Lifeguarded beaches offer the safest swimming spots. Most are staffed Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (9am-5pm), from Duck to Hatteras Island:

Duck

Barrier Island Station
Four Seasons
Plover Drive
Schooner Ridge Drive
Sprigtail Drive

Southern Shores

Chickahauk Beach
Hillcrest Beach

Kitty Hawk

Byrd Street - milepost 2
Eckner Street - milepost 3
Kitty Hawk Bath House, south of Kitty Hawk Road - milepost 4

Kill Devil Hills

1st Street - Milepost 7.5
2nd Street - milepost 7.25
4th Street - milepost 6.75
5th Street - milepost 6.5 (near KMART)
Asheville Street - milepost 7.5
Atlantic Street - milepost 9.5
Calvin Street - mp9
Carlow Avenue - MP 8.25
Clark Street - MP 9
Hayman Boulevard - MP 5.75
Helga Street - MP 5.5
Lake Drive - MP 9.75
Martin Street - MP 9.25
Neptune Drive (Ocean Acres) - MP 9.75
Ocean Bay Boulevard - MP 8.5
Oregon Avenue - MP 8.6
Woodmere Avenue - MP 8

Nags Head

Albatross Street - MP 10.25
Bonnett Street - MP 11.5
Enterprise Street - MP 14
Epstein Street - MP 14.5
Forrest Street - MP 15.75
Gray Eagle Street - MP 16.5
Gulf Stream Street - MP 16.6
Hollowell Street - MP 12
Hargrove Street - MP 17.5
Juncos Street - MP 19.5

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Coquina Beach Access (Bodie Island)
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Beach Access (old location)
NEW for 2019! Frisco Beach Access (south of Frisco Village)

The CHNS shares daily beach forecasts and safety info on its website and social media (Facebook and Twitter).

Make your Outer Banks beach trip safe and unforgettable. Whether swimming, surfing, or sunbathing, prioritize safety. More beach safety tips. Live like a local: Love the beach, respect the ocean. #lovethebeachrespecttheocean

Travel Notes
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