Outer Banks Beach Safety Tips

1. Digging Holes on the Beach

Current TV, in partnership with the Town of Kill Devil Hills, has released a video designed to educate and inform the public about the dangers of digging deep holes on the beach and the risks they pose to public safety. The video aims to spread awareness about the sand collapses that can occur when deep holes are dug and also highlights how large holes become extremely dangerous obstacles to unsuspecting beachgoers as well as ocean rescue personnel patrolling the shoreline in vehicles or on ATVs.

2. Exposure to the Sun

Enjoying the sunshine means also being aware of the dangers of prolonged exposure to the sun. Proper and regular application of sunscreen to exposed skin will help protect your skin from sunburn and sun damage. Remember to reapply sunscreen every time you get out of the water and use a water-resistant broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Seek shade during the warmest parts of the day when the rays are strongest from 10AM-3PM. Lastly dress to block the sun; sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves and pants will lower the risk of a serious sunburn.

3. Rip Currents

Rip currents are channeled currents of water that flow away from the shore, and can quickly pull even the strongest swimmers out to sea. Since the current flows underwater, it’s important to know the signs of a rip current and avoid the water in that area.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), indicators of rip currents include:

• A channel of churning, choppy water.
• Notable differences in water color.
• Lines of foam, seaweed, or debris moving steadily seaward.
• A break in the incoming wave pattern.

Check the National Weather Service Surf Zone Forecasts for the latest rip current, high and low tide and surf height information. You’ll want to check the Outer Banks regional forecast.

Flags on public beaches also indicate rip current alerts: green for low hazard and calm conditions, yellow for medium hazard with moderate surf conditions, and red for high hazard with rough conditions indicating rip currents. Be sure to look for flags on lifeguard stations and read the sign keys when arriving at the beach.

If you see warning signs of rip currents or moderate or high hazard flags, stay out of the water and alert others to do the same. If caught in a rip current, you should stay calm to conserve energy and allow yourself to think clearly. Don’t try to fight the current. Instead, swim out in a direction following the shoreline and swim toward shore once you’re out of the current.

4. Beach Warning Flags

Watch for flags posted at many beach access sites signifying water conditions.

5. Lifeguarded Beaches 

The Outer Banks welcomes several million guests annually and many of these people enjoy our shores and waters. For travelers who prefer swimming on beaches with lifeguard stations, please consult this chart.

6. Jellyfish

Jellyfish and Portuguese man o’ war stings are best avoided by staying aware of beach surroundings. In the case of a sting, it should be treated quickly.

Jellyfish have clear, jellylike bodies, with tentacles with stinging structures hanging below, and swim underwater. The Portuguese man o’ war has a colorful air-filled bladder that keeps it afloat on the surface of the water, with tentacles stretching underneath. If you spot either, stay calm, get out of the water, and alert others.

Both inject venom when they sting, and can sting even after they’re dead, so avoid touching those washed up on the beach. Common sting symptoms include red welts, blisters, pain, tingling, and itching. To treat a sting:

• Wear gloves or other hand covering to remove tentacles.
• Wash the affected area with vinegar or rubbing alcohol.
• Do not rinse with water, which could release more venom.
• Contact a lifeguard or doctor for further treatment as needed.

7. Sharks

Most shark encounters with humans are cases of mistaken identity. Swimmers, surfers, and others in the water may splash and present visual targets that mislead the shark, causing it to mistake people for prey. Most attacks occur in near-shore waters, between sandbars, or near steep drop-offs where sharks feed.

Chances of encountering a shark in North Carolina waters are very low. To further reduce your risk, consider the following tips from the North Carolina Aquarium:

• Do not enter the water or swim near a pier, as they attract baitfish that sharks feed on and are a very likely place for sharks to swim if they come close to shore.
• Avoid waters being used by sport or commercial fishermen, especially if there are signs of baitfish or feeding activity. Diving seabirds are good indicators of such action.
• Always stay in groups. Sharks are more likely to attack a solitary individual.
• Avoid being in the water during dusk, darkness, or twilight hours. This is when sharks are most active and have a sensory advantage.
• Wearing shiny jewelry in the water is discouraged because the reflected light resembles the sheen of fish scales.
• Avoid wearing brightly colored contrasting clothing in the water. Sharks see contrast particularly well.
• Refrain from excess splashing to minimize your risk.
• Exercise caution when swimming between sandbars or near steep drop-offs. These are favorite hangouts for sharks.
• Do not enter the water if bleeding. A shark's sense of smell is acute.

8. Severe Weather/Hurricanes

Be attentive to any weather-related watches or warnings issued by the National Weather Service or local authorities, and follow carefully any precautionary directions or evacuation notices from public safety officials. When thunderstorms or lightning threaten, seek cover promptly in a large enclosed building, or if not possible, an enclosed metal vehicle. The National Weather Service recommends waiting 30 minutes until after the last thunder crack before returning to the beach. You can always get the latest on tropical storm forecasts from the National Hurricane Center.

You'll also find these beach safety tips in this downloadable guide.

9. Frequently Asked Questions