Operations of three Seashore sites, Coquina Beach in South Nags Head, Buxton Beach near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in Buxton, and Ocracoke Beach on Ocracoke Island, will open beginning Saturday, May 23 through Labor Day, September 7, 2015.  The lifeguarded beaches will be staffed 7 days a week, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

During the colder weather months on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, park management is planning ahead for those warmer days of summer and related summer activities.  “The lifeguard beaches provide a key visitor use service to the visiting public in Cape Hatteras National Seashore,” stated Superintendent Hallac.  “Many family memories reflect on the great service these dedicated individuals provide to ensure a safe and enjoyable day at the beach.  Park visitors are here to relax and enjoy the beach and the guarded beaches are great places to have that added protection.”

Lifeguards provide a variety of important service to park visitors from cautioning swimmers about rip currents, providing rescue to swimmers or administering first aid for minor injuries.  They monitor swimming activities in the protected areas, provide assistance to beach-goers, engage the public in conversations about the beach environment and advise of hazards such as rip currents, over exposure to the sun, jellyfish stings, staying hydrated in the summer sun and heat by drinking plenty of water.

For more information on swimming safety and rip currents, see:

http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/ripcurrent.html